I've played with the new patch preview and it seems as rifle company is now far from being good as it was.
I agree that it wasn't fair and that something had to be done, but not this.
First of all, the elite training is now replaced with an American Horra ability that makes the unit slower for 10 seconds after use. Why is is so? The Horra doesn't make conscript slower and same thing applies to the Wehrmacht ability (who's name i forgot). Why should i pay 15 munition for an ability that makes my unit go faster and than slower? In my opinion, making them go faster without the penalty would be a suitable replacement for the elite training.
Now for the flamethrower: I agree that it was abused and had to change, but right now it's just a useless ability. The rear echelon are not a combat unit. They die to fast, and even with a flamethrower i wont send them to fight a grenadier squad since they will lose. Why wont we just give rifleman the ability to purchase the M1919?
Your opinions?
Echelons with a flamer upgrade (like all support units) are not meant to go head to head with main line infantry, the upgrade is designed to allow buildings to be cleared or deny cover.
You're not using them correctly.