at the risk of starting one of those "realism vs balance" things... elite infantry are infantry units based on what were elite formations during the war. they should cost more manpower but they should be expected to do more things good or specific things well. they're not intended to be blobbed... instead, you use them in certain situations to turn decisive engagements in your favor.
true elite infantry:
obers (not sure historically what this is based on, but all of OKW is wacky, so garden it)
falls
rangers
commandos
stormtroopers (should be... but don't perform that way)
shocks
crack infantry (likely to be blobbed but should be better than mainline infantry):
panzer grens
guards
panzer fusiliers
paratroopers
i consider penals more of a specialist AI unit; jaegers and pathfinders have a specific role (recce/sniper unit).
i know this is just like, my opinion, man. but it's a good opinion.
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VonManteuffel 
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