Agree with OP. This game lacks infantry shock value and the gameplay is less interesting because of it. In Vcoh there was BARs, group zeal, popping vet 2 on Grenadiers, etc. Ostheer used to have early game shock infantry with early T2 for Panzergrens but at some point they got nerfed to the really mediocre state they are in now. Unlocking grenades can be a bit of a shock upgrade but it heavily relies on catching someone sleeping, whereas new weapons or advanced armor benefit you even when the other guy is paying attention. The only true early game infantry shock value comes in the form of call-in units, which are restricted to certain doctrines plus many come at 3cp (which isn't really that much of a shock unit by that point).
I'm not crying buff US, would like to see all the factions receive changes that promote investing fuel for substantial infantry improvements early as an alternative to just getting a certain vehicle asap every game. BARs as a global upgrade, buffing PGrens, and reducing cost of Brit reinforcement to promote more section play would be a nice start.
I like the weapon racks. Having your soldiers suddenly pull out LMGs and Bazookas in the middle of a gunfight is silly.
Silly in what way, from a realism perspective? Almost everything about this game from Shermans surviving a penetrating Tiger shell to reinforced models having "vet" is unrealistic.
Two posts crying to make the USF stronger. I never say this but...L2P. Please post player card.
Its a design flaw. Ideas that improve faction design aren't automatically invalid just because that particular faction is currently performing well.