Mammoths do have their place, but not because of their self heal, its pathetic and near worthless. (take 5 mins to repair 600, half health). Mammoths need engineer support where both the mammoth and the engy benefit most because they work good together, without engineers the mammoth is worse in every way over the medium, but with some engys behind them they are a tough cookie to crack.But, the problem is its not worth it for the engys, they are wasting time and not making enough points for the team, just get out of your own vehicle and repair.
My rule is when you gotta repair your own tank, if your out on the field only do it when there are a couple buddies around to make sure you don't loose your tank. If your alone pull back and do it or just die. Better your tank dead then in the hands of the enemy after you vainly tried to heal it on or near the enemys turf.