Panzergrenadiers are micro-intensive units; arguably one of the toughest infantry units to utilize correctly. Having said that, I think this is fine considering LMG grens are fairly easy to micro. So the overall micro-burden of playing Ostheer does not get too high by incorporating one or two Pgren squads.
No, ostheer HAS Elite troops, is just that these elite troops are not quite elite . And I'm talking about stormtroopers. The stormtroopers need some kind of buff and I don't see a reason for which they can't receive it. They are to be found in just 2 doctrines, are expensive, and a 4 men squad, that can receive expensive upgrades. I realy don't understand why they can't be upgraded with the second shreck, for instance. I think the idea is that they should - through upgrades - become an AI specialized unit, or an AT specialized unit. Upgrading them just one shreck, does not transform them into a specialized AT unit, but into a verry mediocre one.
STG44 Stormtroopers are the best flanking unit in the game. Get behind the enemy -> activate their focus fire ability -> watch as they murder retreating squads. The Stormtroopers special ability is often overlooked (as is the paratroopers thompson focus fire ability). Again, not easy to use, but absolutely devastating when you pull it off.