The general fragility of soviet positions is indeed an issue. You're essentially forced to bleed manpower and buy an M5 (and therefore forgoing in-base healing) if you want a solid grip on the map at all times.
What I would like to see instead of such a drastic change is to see Penals go to something like 260mp (probably nerfed to compensate) and become a viable infantry option, while conscripts could become even crummier dps wise and become a utility unit for capping and throwing molotovs/at nades.
Giving penals an upgradeable bazooka would also allow for much more flexibility in build orders.
