Conscripts are very capable fighters but should be used at longer ranges and be kept in cover. At vet three they become perfectly good infantry for their cost.
Good non-penal builds are something like 3 cons into 2 maxims as your basic core. From there you can vary a lot; guards or shocks or more support weapons.
finddeed why do you think cons are good units for longer ranges? i thought it was opposite. maybe i'm wrang but idk i think cons are more close range type of units