Soviet core infantry have trouble getting wipes no matter how long the game goes on because they don't have HE nades.
Now I think we are getting somewhere and we have a solid basis for a debate.
I have to agree that it is difficult to get wipes with conscript (unless they have SVT/PPsh).
On the other hand I have to point out the following:
1) It is also hard to get a wipe on conscripts especially once they have upgrade to 7 men.
2) Penal can get early wipe since they have great DPS on the move superior to most units of their timing
3) Soviet can get early wipes via other methods like the clown car and the T-70 later.
4) Most soviet doctrinal infatry (and the majority of commander have them) do get HE grenades and good ones.
As I have said many times, I would rather have molotovs/satchel/incendiary grenades replaces by HE grenades since I consider these weapons unsuitable for mainline infatry and better utilized in more specialized infatry.