Sure, they are. But with the STG44 upgrade (sure other stats as Sturmpio) they become something else. Why an upgrade if you can replace them with Sturmpios and Obersoldaten? I don't see the reason for the upgrade.
With Commander Volks can get a MP40 upgrade. Can be replaced by Sturmpios and Obersoldaten or call-ins.
So why the STG44 upgrade? Only because of blobbing?
They don't become anything else, they still benefit the most from staying at long range, and is how they should be used.