Im not 100% with OP in this topic, but tell me, if you were to choose between an earlier secret card, that the other player wont know until you play it and an ace that always come after the 10th round, which would you choose? One is predictable and arrives late, the other has the shock value and surprise element. At the moment the ace arrives you had more than enough time to prepare for its arrival, either minimizing loses or maximizing counter measures. Strategically speaking, having options is better.
Also, You just cant guess the enemy commander by seeing only a guards or shocks troops only. Even SU commanders that dont have infantry call ins, rely on tanks or indirect fire that obliterates obers anyway. Again, early game domination restricts a lot of the oponent freedom of will and possible strategies, an option SU has with earlier shock units.
Obers tend to compete with JLI and Falls, simply because of MP costs and bleed. The latter two options have a lot more of shock value and raw power too. Obers are great, but they are bland too.
I do not want obers buff but rather more flexibility to use them, as stationary elite troops they are. Maybe the way to go is simply nerfing volks and allow earlier obers.
It would make sense according to its historic identity and be more interesting. I am going to make this short, not going to go long winded and just get straight to the point. No long winded historic essay plz.
Mainly because Volks were "Militia" or the Peoples grenadiers meaning civilians irl and they were of course inferior to any other soldiers available within the german army.
The should be 5 man still as they are but nerfed. Remove the firenade for normal nade.
DPS reduced and price of STG package reduced to fit their identity more as a more urban unit.
RA increased and price decrease. Price should be either 240 or 250 instead.
Has snare still.
Will play more the role as support as it was identified.
Should perform similarly like Conscripts and somewhat similar to grens yet inferior to them.
Sturmpio were trained soldiers than Volks, Sturm should be improved differently the way they are now but modified.
Instead of them all having STG, they all get instead G43.
Remove stun nade for flame nade instead.
They will play the role of clearing as they were identified, not Volks.
It would significantly reduce their raw firepower close range for Sturmpio (which is more Volks identity urban combat) for more mid long range gameplay.
Obers should be this identity to display what they had left in reserves as their only form of their remaining experienced elite troops late war. Can partake roles in another level. That kind of unit.
Just an idea to fit their identity more.