I've oft stated the opinion that Penals and Cons should both be tier 0 units that are universally affected by the same upgrades/techs, but offer a variation each on the "mainline infantry" role. A faction having two equally viable "mainline" options as standard would be an interesting factional niche.
Realistically speaking I think it would take a bit of restructuring to work though. If you're saying that the techs affect both units, then besides mobilize reserves, which already do affect both, you must mean the molo/AT grenade package be expanded to penals as well. So are you saying then that satchels would be gated behind tech in this situation?
I think that would be kinda rough. As it is it's not feasible to build T1, T2, and scout car and get a T70 within the timing required to be the most effective & hold for a T34 and that's just assuming that you're only building penals and not supplementing with conscripts (therefore not needing molo/AT grenade tech). Penals already make up for lack of AT gun in tier 1 by having satchels which instantly destroy bunkers(which are otherwise countered by AT guns when unsupported).
At that point there would really be no point to go T1 even. You would only ever build it for the sniper lol.