Penals and Maxims are the mainline infantry for Soviets lets be real.
Conscripts aren't a relevant units without PPsh.
Conscripts are relevant even without PPsh. They just can´t be used like other mainline infantry. Got to think of them as slightly better Osttruppen. Their advantage is fast capping in the beginning, being able to flank MG42s with Urra and merging into Guards, Maxims or whatever you need to fill up during combat. They are also pretty durable once they are vetted up. So it´s not all bad.
What I really really dislike about Conscripts is the fact that you need to buy TWO grenade upgrades for them just to have some combat effectivness. Their strength should be versatility and price. But if you spend 35 fuel just to get snares and the terribly slow Molotovs then it´s just not right considering Grens and Volksgrens cost the same (or in case of VG 10 mp more) and get grenade + snare without expensive side-teching. Spending 35 fuel on your Conscripts is just a bit too much when you play a faction that very often relies on getting a fast T70.
Maybe make the AT-nades and Molotovs a combined package and set the price to 20 fuel?