Because of many factors. First of all these units have different mp costs, so obviously the more expensive one should be better and in fact it is not without vet. Whats more as katitof said infantry is not the only factor of ballance, there are also support weapons, light vehicles, different types of tanks, arty, mines, commanders and so on that ballance it out one way or another. Imagine trying to even out okw veterancy, even the vet3, the way you look at it
vet0 rifleman already consistently beat vet 0 grenadier. Giving them equivalent veterancy is just going to maintain the status quo. Remember that the veterancy bonus are usually multiplicative.
unlike now where vet 3 rifleman just absolutely walk over even vet 3 grenadier.