And you're pointing here exactly the reason why they are weak(one of them), they are being outperformed by cheaper squad(with an upgrade) that doesn't force you on specific tiering.
I'd love to see penals having improved mid-long range accuracy or cost decreased, because they are definitely not a cost effective unit.
outperformed? g43 grens do 10 dps compared to penals 9 at long range. at close range g43 grens do 20 dps compared to penals 34...
one requires upgrades and waiting for cps, the other can be your first unit.
i dont think i pointed out any reason why theyre weak. people are just stuck on calling them "suicide squads" so they buy flamethrowers and charge into close range.
There is definitely something wrong with the unit when its being used out of boredom instead of being a valid choice.
well thats purely opinion. the main reason theyre not seen is it takes away from the soviets map control. why tech and build penals when all you need is t0?