off topic, but they absolutly CAN work as a support squad to make your heavy hitters preform better, but certainly not at the same price (or close) to the enemies *ahem* independent core infantry. at least once you get tanks on the field now after many minuets of being mowed down by enemy weapon upgrades cans can flip the bill and die more efficiently
Off topic as well, but I agree. I actually find myself enjoying the faction a tonne more, especially since they have snares and T2 means Zis gun so you don’t die to ostheer LVs.
I'm far from an expert on the Soviets but I've always had pretty good luck with their Penals into Scout Car then Shocks build. The only problem I've run into with Soviets is their later armor is pretty terrible unless you go with some doctrinal vehicles. USF and UKF have much better late game armor.
I used to play T1 religiously in 1v1s. I actually got some great wins using Guard Motor to hold off LVs with Guards until I got T70 and SU76 to patch the line. Problem was no zis guns for long periods of time, as well as huge issues vs ostheer and okw who spammed team weapons. T2 start is way more balanced, while Guard Rifle Combined got a huge buff with CP2 assault package and KV1 buffs.