This is another very important yet neglected balance issue. It could be said that a long time ago when mg42 would just completely shut off part of the map (for example, it had no delay when changing sides in a building!) allied factions got a lot of counter mg abilities (smoke, phosphorous smoke, etc.). Most of those abilities and attributes (e.g. ability to remain pinned relatively long without model losses) are still avaliable to them while osther can't deal with mgs in so many ways. Now we have each faction with similar support weapons just with slightly different timing.
Now that's a load of steamy bullshit right there.
Smoke existed always and for both sides.
Units taking less damage when suppressed is a mechanics that applies to all infantry of both sides equally.
Soviets have to choose between mortars and snipers to counter HMGs.
USF had to pay fuel for the option, now they have infenrior, overpriced mortar to help them after they have lost completely fuel option.
UKF has tech locked sniper only.
Ost has 2 counters in the very first tier and another one that nukes garrisoned team weapons in less them 10 seconds in T2.
That means ost not only have most cost efficient HMG, they also have most and most veried ways to hardcounter garrisoned HMGs.
Oh, and that "slightly different timing" makes for a world of difference. Cost is also considerably different as allied HMGs cost more, come much later, are much less effective or all 3 combined.