Retreating is fine, it is a skill to retreat at the right time without loosing the squad in the process. I don't like post where people try to make a game easier to play, just because they can't handle a certain mechanic.
It only means that you should improve your playstyle in that regard.
I play Partisans in 1v1. They are good on Semoisky and Kharkov.
I beat 100 players with them when you play them well.
The beauty of Partisans is that you can call them everywhere you are potentially loosing an engagement. They are good against support weapons because you can call them right behind them in a building.
If your opponent goes scoutcars, you simply bait it to a house and call AT partisans. It usually dies right there.
Since mines are SUPER powerful this patch, you got to spam them everywhere. If your opponent is not experienced, he will loose simply by hitting them frequently.
The weakness of Partisans are in the late game. Partisans are squishy and die quickly against heavys. Then the manpower bleed starts, because they are expensive to reinforce. A good opponent will garrison buildings with his units. Especially where his support weapons are. Then you cant call them behind enemy lines anymore.
I dont recommend using them in team games (especially 3v3 and 4v4). Everybody rushes to tanks and after a few minutes partisans become almost useless. Marked target and spy network are the only useful abilities at this stage.
I love them in 1v1 because they arent the usual call-in commanders and very unique. I thought about creating a guide on youtube how to use them properly, but I am too busy right now.