MG is support weapon. No one man army. If you use one mg + one grenadier squad, have you any problem versus two squad conscripts? Alone MG must by easy target everytime, if oponent use double manpower versus it.
One strong side destroy game. Only one viable strategy destroy game. The same units on both side destroy game.
Case 1: no spotter. MG vs con.
Hoorah after first burst (if not supressed), molotov. If i get supress im mostly sure im on range to just thow a molotov.
Case 2: spotter. Gren - Mg vs 2 cons.
I can escape right before the 2nd/3rd burst supress me due to being on the edge of the arc. I can bait with one squad n molotov with the second one. Decrew or either make retreat most of the time the mg. Unless gren with LMG, the gren doesnt do enough damage to make me not ignore him and go straight for the mg. (early game i have molotov n he doesnt have anything)
Suggestion: why dont supression gives penalization to range of abilities? (This would apply and help both sides)