I'll just make the correction at this point:
Axis do not get stuff "for free". It is usually included in their tech cost, they just unlock it at different timings. There are some differences between factions though regarding tech costs in general. But this is not specific to Allies or Axis
If you look at the tech of Soviets vs Ost. Ost most certainly gets stuff for free.
Ostheer gets access to grenades, LMGs, fausts, panzergrenadiers, an amazing machine gun, sniper, mortar all for the amazing price of 130MP (thanks you bonus 50MP starting resources for OST!). Meanwhile as Soviets you spend 160MP (no bonus for soviet scrubs) and get access to... No grenades, no weapon upgrades, no AT nades, a shit machine gun that is somehow 260MP, mortar, AT gun. Or they get penals/scoutcar/sniper.
If that doesn't qualify as 'getting stuff for free' then nothing can ever qualify as getting stuff for free.