PG are not a close range units, they are a mid range unit. Losing at their optimal range from a unit with lower tech and cost, does no make sense...
Penals with the suggested number will not be a long range it will be a unit that can outgun most axis units in all ranges, and that is simply bad design. Squad work allot better when they are good at some range but weaker in another...
Like for example grens, who are decent at all ranges and lose at closer only by attrition?
Or PGs who outgun cons at long range?
Or falls who are very good at all ranges?
Or STG obers who are excellent at all ranges AND negate opponents cover?
Or like pfussies who outlast opponents at long range and outgun them at mid to short, unless you use dual LMGs at long or dual BAR at short range vs them?
Majority of axis squads work well at all ranges.
Sturmpios, AGs and pios are the only exceptions here.
Plus penals still won't beat PGs at mid range.
If you want to talk about flamer, then that makes penals MORE expensive then PGs and there is no reason why shouldn't they have the advantage.
There simply needs to be a different role for each unit. Currently both are optimum to fight against axis mainline infatry at mid range. Penal are simply a bit better at it and bit more specialized in anti-garrison anti-building, while conscripts have more utility and abilities.
Oh, like a unit decent at most ranges but not excelling over specialists at these ranges, which doesn't exist in soviet roster yet?
Like... penals with doubled long range dps!
Why are you so terrified of this?
They won't become rifles no matter how many times you repeat it in your head, because they don't have all the benefits rifles have. They'll be just as dependent on cons as they are now, except they won't be premium cost cons.