Not sure where you got those numbers of.
I might had got something wrong, but by replacing values on an old spreadsheet (even if the DPS values are outdated) the cooldown DPS bonus increase goes from around 4.5% (near) to 13.5% (far).
Due to how DPS is calculated, the only values which translates directly to raw DMG increase in a 1:1 scale are damage and accuracy. Cooldown followed up by reload, have the worst bonus to DPS ratios.
Conscripts
To improve the performance of Conscripts, while retaining their role as utility infantry that excel at defense and supporting other units, we have added an upgrade to help them scale into the late game. The extra man and reduced reinforce cost will allow them to more effectively trade against opposing infantry while the veterancy bonus will allow fresh Conscript squads to gain veterancy.
New squad upgrade available after the Mechanized Armor Kampaneya is deployed.
Mobilized Reserves: Increases squad size by 1, reduces model reinforce cost to 17 and increases veterancy gain by 20%. Takes up 1 weapon slot. Costs 50 munitions.
When upgraded with Mobilize Reserves, weapon cooldown and reload on Mosin Nagant rifles is reduced by 30% when in cover.
Improved Damage Per Second (DPS) with upgrade:
Conscript Rifle: 3.61/2.6/1.98/1.346/1.0
Conscript Rifle in Cover: 3.91/2.87/2.21/1.54/1.22
At range: 0/10/20/30/35
Obviously the reload bonus has been removed, but reload is only a small portion of the dps in most small arms.
I could be okay with this if it gets the cooldown bonus back once t4 is built. But I think it would need to be a little cheaper
Removing the HQ upgrades requirement doesn't do much. If your relying on conscripts you need those upgrades before that time anyway
The T70 comes from tier 3 as well. A soviet player isn't going to delay his T70 by getting 7 man 'scripts first.