Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh. T1 is optional if you don't want to win. The alternative is the worst core infantry in the game by a large margin or maxim spam. At the very least penal play has a bit of give and take.
Don't get me wrong I want the same changes as you do for penals, but the alternatives are simply not viable at this time against 50% of the factions Soviet can match against. Cons don't scale properly and maxims are a 1 trick pony, and that one trick is literally cheese because unless you cheese with them they simply do not function properly. Soviet are in a poor state with the exception of penals (who again, I'd like to see changed because winning with a crutch is still relying on a crutch)
Building T1 is one option for the Soviet, building Penals is another option.
It might be the best option but it remain an option, claiming differently is silly.
Or one could claim that JLI is not optional either since it also a very good option also.
Now pls lets do not fill this thread with silly arguments.
My point is actually different, if Penal are better designed than PF, simply copy that design which has been tested.
Relic Entertainment
cblanco ★ 
Heartless Jäger 
