No one starts with units for free. That's a common misconception by players with a weak understanding of the game.
Factions that start with more expensive units get less starting manpower. It's roughly similar with some quirks here and there, but it's mostly balanced to give everyone kinda-equal starting resources.
I know they have different starting res but u dont have to build it my main point. U get one already, build time matters too. If u didnt get one "for free" then u would have to wait til pio is done just to build ur 1st mg42, or vice versa
"Roughly-similar with some quirks" "Kinda-equal"???
Care to elaborate oh grand master? My peasant brain needs help