If we're talking CoH1, WM got their perpetual vet, knights cross squads, king tiger / tiger / panther stuff. It was super potent, axis steamroller design in full force. Vet 3 zombie grenadiers, yuck.
If you're falling victim to Easy 8 spam, the E8s aren't the problem.
Anyway, recent patch notes indicate that Relic is consciously trying to move away from the "Allied advantage early game, Axis advantage late game" model. Soviet late game generally has been fairly competitive with Ostheer (save for some patches making the balance Wonky), really it's only US Forces that have traditionally had weak late game.
It would be able to take an extra hit (640hp instead of 480) and be more resilient afainst things like the OKW flak truck. Essentially it wouldn't feel quite as squishy.