they only thing they buffed early game was the mp. soviets always had 50 fuel the build speed was slower but you could buy mg's or m3's from the start.
But why are we discussing this. the current mg42 needs extra suppression to be worthwhile or better yet better gun traverse,
-Spread the crew in a V formation, no more 1 shot by nades and no MG gunner snipe by a 1/2 infantry push.
After this is done, i think we can talk about changing the offensive performance if neccesary. The main problem is the lethality which was been raised by WFA. I don't think the solution is raising everything up, rather than toning down a bit more the LMG (at least their ease of use).