I don't recall that. Is it still when it could random death crit and was like 10mu?
I don't know when that changed. There has been a lot that's been changed. CP timings, tech structuring, cost changes etc.
Ostheer being required to go tier 1 helped make it viable, since they were the only faction you would face as soviets, and I remember snipers actually being viable against soviets.
The infantry phase tended to last a little longer.