Maybe, but I don't think a simple smoke changes anything. An ATG still shuts it down and makes it useless. I would say lower its damage and give it the ability to fire on the move (or at least fire when stationary without a set up time). It would be a glorified M5 Quad though.
SPs are close quarter units and their mid damage is not that good. They are also not very durable, but still they can add HMG in another building to delay it if that proves to be an issue. Early game infantry based suppression platform should be available for all factions. It's the case for every faction, even USF have access to 50 cal but we don't see it often because of the LT tier.
I had a game on weekend on Arnhem Approach where two riflemen and two SP engaged at cutoff near church. First engagement so both squads at full health. Each side entered green cover at same time. The engagement took place at what i would consider mid range. The sp's took no casualties whilest I lost one rifle on retreat,even though i had 2 men left and was moving away from engagement. The other squad got away with 2 men.
Maybe it was unlucky rng, I know it happens sometimes but this is not an isolated incident although certainly the worst.
Mg34/sp combo would be just as effective imo and with sp likely to get a price decrease next patch this combo will be even stronger.
The factions that get early mgs do not have cq units the calibre on sp from the start and that is why okw cannot have a t0 mg.
Add it to t2 where it cannot be abused.