I do not know what his skill level is, I would judge that myself once I know.
I would also like to say that whoever says that Maxim guns are OP is incorrect.
Okay, well. Aerohank is a top 100 player with all factions. You just told him he is an incompetent player. However, I would like to tell you that his skill level is excellent. I advice you to challenge him in a duel to see if your strategy and tactics would be able to defeat the maxim spam.
Another point. The only units that can get out of the arc of a maxim setting up are units with sprint or motorized vehicles.
Moreover, do you know the Maxims has actually really good stats?
As to your proposition about guards and mortar, I will take that deal any day of the week. Guards and 120mm are not OP.
Anyways, I would like to conclude that Soviets are not too strong.