LOL. Are you really using this unit? 2 LeIG next to flak HT it's rekts everything until KAT/PRIEST hits the field. Pack howie it's more expensive (in numbers and related to faction mp depending) and doesn't wipe squads in range as LeIG.
Yeah, 40 MP more expensive because it takes 4 deaths to decrew opposed to the ISG's 3. And the Pack Howi has larger AoE (meaning more reliable suppression) and it's vet is light years ahead of the ISG's.
Not completely. You use the barrage against emplacements, and it gets buffs to autofire at vet 2 and 5, I believe.
Nope
Unlocks the 'Hollow Charge' ability
+25% speed, -23% received accuracy
-40% barrage recharge, +33% barrage range
+100% shots fired per barrage
+30% penetration +50% damage
It doesn't get any benefit for it's autofire until it hits Vet 5, which is insanely stupid. Hollow Charges and the Vet 2 are both in compition for worst veterancy level in the game.
Don't get me wrong the ISG is very effective, but it needs to be because it's all OKW's got outside the Stuka. I would be fine with a cost increase + a fixing of it's vet.