yeah but that ZiS gun rolled up quickkkkk. i could see how it could help me at least pester the 82mills and give my GrW 34 a small window of opportunity to dislodge the maxims. come what may, it seems to be the general consensus that regardless of build or commander AT LEAST 4 grenadier squads is non-negotiable.
The problem with maxims is not that they are powerful mgs as they are not but that they are quick harassment units that can counter single squad trying the counterharassment, and you usually cannot use more not to weaken your front lines. Thats where you need 222 or even 221 for less cost. It makes maxims retreat quickly and is fast enough to cover both flanks. More maxims is less cons and less AT nades. If you kite remaining conscripts well single zis gun poses no threat. And making a zis is a big mistake on soviet side. It is costly unit that will do next to nothing for most of the early-mid game. That lets you overwhelm him with infantry. If it is some cons + double maxim into zis gun you need nothing more than spamming grens... No tech, just 5-6 grens with riflenades and maybe g43 and you cap whole map easily. Ofc it is not good against any other soviet tactic but you can make 3 and decide what is needed next.