As far as AI goes, soviets are the strongest faction right now in the early game. A lot of the tools other factions need to be tough are very hard to program into the AI. When I test maps the Soviet bot always has the best score. Late game axis is very tough since the bot cheats and has so much extra fuel income.
That said, the AI has a hard time dealing with MGs. If they are satcheling you that fast/easy you may not be microing your MG enough. Most games you can set an MG in a building and forget about it because the AI does not know what to do. You can select your MG and then select the unit you want it to focus on to try and stop them beserker penals
If conscripts are snareing your vehicle easily you must not be "kiting" the cons. IE stay about two or more vehicle lengths away at all times. The cons can only snare you if they get closer than about 1.5 - 2 vehicle lenghts. Never drive right up to them.
The ZiS barrage is a one time thing. Just move the unit they are shooting at and you are safe until they can barrage again.
And as always never give your unit commands to go places because the AI uses this information to counter you. Always use attack move or tell your units to go much farther than you really want and remember to stop them.