Explain to me, how 4/6 Ost Support crews is balanced vs 6/6 Sov Support crews?
Imagine if Ost had 6/6 crews, and Sov only 4/6. You dont think that would be a problem, eh?
Yes it would be a problem then, because MG42 are harder to flank and on top of that it would have greater survivability.
MG42 = Lower survivablity, wider arc leads to greater flank defense. Molotovs must get close.
Maxim = Higher survivability, low arc leads to decreased flank defense. Rifle nade hits from range.
It is pretty clear that it is easier for Ostheer to take out an HMG position on open field, do not take buildings into account for this. I understand you reasoning Nullist, but your missing context of gameplay and solely focused on stats. You have to look at possible counters from opponent in the early game and not directly compare two similar units. They fill the roles completely differently.
If they boost MG42 armour to 1.5 I will stop playing this game, the flanking game in every previous patch is a disgrace to CoH1. Soviet Support Maxim support to 4 man will lead to utter uselessness because 1 rifle nade is a guarateed force retreat unless you want to lose your Maxim. It is incredibly easy for Ostheer to flank or brute force their way over Maxim with the helpful use of rifle nades. You are completely ignoring this.