It's definitely a thing to consider (though I personally doubt Rifles need to be a lot better right now considering they're obviously the immediately-available versatile mainline infantry unit that can generally expect to win most engagements against any other ones without upgrades). The power spike from equipping BARs is very distinct.
I would've thought so too until running tests on infantry matchups. Volks actually beat rifles at long and mid range quite reliably if both are vet 0.
Volks are surprisingly equal matchups to rifles so long as they don't have weapons or vet. As long as the volks don't get caught out of cover they are quite formidable.
I haven't tested unupgraded rifles and volks with max vet though.
The fact that volks can lay sandbags is huge. But most importantly is the disparity in infantry healing. Ambulance keeps the entire USF infantry force in top shape. OKW needs to go medic truck and invest in medics, which, all costs aside, is time consuming.
Hurt squads lose engagements like nobodies business.