You are actually mistaken Pathfinder have more PDS then JLIRS that can become even better with rack weapons.
Both squad are recon squad and Pathfinder not only can set up beacons but also come with camo (that helps them spot with impunity) but they also get better sight radius at vet 1 instead of medic kits. JLIRS need to reach vet 2 to get camo.
The infiltration of the JLIRS is mainly useful against a sniper (and even then the sniper can still retreat) since they have very little shock value with their low close range range DPS and luck of a grenades. They are probably the infiltration squad with least alpha strike value.
Both units reinforce with same cost and have some pop.
People don't use pathfinder simply because they do not use the Commander...
Pathfinder and JLIRS are of about equal value.
Working from memory
More DPS at close/mid range. JLI get more DPS at mid/long range. Carbine vs Kars
Path gets 2 carbines with 40% crit. JLI get's one with 75/80% crit. If it's 80% then it just need 1 hit from Kar to crit.
0.8 vs 1.0 receive accuracy. Because of this, Pathfinders are way more support unless you give them double bars AND they get vet.
JLI end up scaling better through vet.
Commander wise, Pathfinders are there as a single unit to deploy beacons. JLI get access to volley grenade, scavenge and booby trap.
As part of the faction, which is the most important, Pathfinders on their timing/arrival/function are redundant.
You'll have 3/4 Rifles + mortar and eventually an Officer. You then want to add more infantry on Pathfinders, support weapons and/or Paras?
Pathfinders:
-Changed to 0 CP. Start on cooldown. NO infiltration (i don't think the unit needs it)
-Reduce weapon slots to 1.
-Reinforce cost to 0.40 (30mp)
-Increase cd on beacon or make them actually have to build them (IIRC they assemble automatically)
50cal/AT gun:
-Changed to 75muni each
-50cal goes to 2CP (is it already?); AT gun to 3CP
While it may seem cheap, support field operation from UKF is 150muni for a Vickers, UK AT gun (better), med drop and movement n reinforce speed bonus.
Remember that you also have to take into account that you still have to reinforce the weapon (cheapest been RE at 25mp per model, so extra 100mp).
P47:
-I'll rather lower the cost to 200MU rather than increasing the performance (i think it's fine leaving it as mostly an anti heavier tank tool). On the other hand, i'll raise the CAS cost to 220/240MU instead.