Pepsi, you can literally use soviet MG's as a counter to German ones right now. Just set it up right in front of each other and the soviet one will win.
Just like the M8 from vCoH, if they rush it you will need a PAK combined with faust or Shrek. If you see other fuel related upgrades prior to then you are safe going straight to Stug or P4.
I ordered straight from the companyofheroes.com website because Steam was not working. I would hope ordering straight from your website that we would keep beta access...