I don't see what's wrong if Penals can beat most early squads at most range given it's a dedicated AI unit from a dedicated AI building...
They ignore relative positioning. Gren will beat conscripts at far range but will lose at mid, Pg will beat riflemen mid distance but will lose at far. Penals are far too good at all ranges and on top of that by vet 2 they can chose the distance they want to fight with ourah...
Their accuracy is way to high and get better with veterancy and when losing members...
Penal should have a range that they are weaker.