First of all i dont think riflemen are too expenisve. I do think that USA can struggle against okw in a certain matchup because of the initial MP advantage OKW has, but thats just the same if you go cons as soviet.
You pay more to refresh your rifles because of the higher cqc potential/ scaling you have in comparison to the OKW/WHER player, that doesnt mean that you have to rush the opponent 24/7. Wher doesnt have the tools to push away rifles in green cover in the early game, making rifles on a cutoff a big pain for wher. OKW has the flame nades but has other flaws like no proper way of dealing with 50cals.
Botton line is: If you want your riflemen to flank or cqc you should prepare for it by purchasing nades or Bars depending on the situation
