Retroactive upgrades for infantry

[Red Baron]

I've read a lot about why upgrades for Russian infantry don't affect already deployed units, but so far I can't really fathom any reasons other than 'that's not how the Russians roll'.
I do understand that if you were to spam conscripts early on and then have the upgrade to NKVD commisar work on them as well, it would be a tad overpowered and that Strelky and Guards simply spawning a new soldier out of nowhere is unrealistic, but I think there could be a compromise.
Instead of just not having upgrades affect already deployed infantry, why can't it be made like the PE increased squad size upgrade?
Just move the already deployed units back to your HQ and reinforce them to add an NKVD commisar, flag bearer or sergeant depending on the unit type.

[Aouch]

It's because if you play as Soviet, you have to make certain decisions, which are a more or less important part of the faction-design.
For example, you can either have fast Tank-Hunters early in game which aren't that effective or you can have them a bit later, after you upgraded but than they're more powerfull.
Of course, you can still have fast TH and then upgrade to train better ones, but the 'old ones' aren't as powerfull as the new ones. Therefore use them as cannon-fodder, which is after all a vital aspect of SU-gameplay.

I hope I explained it the right way, maybe some DEV will also post to give you an official answer.

[Blackbishop]

I've read a lot about why upgrades for Russian infantry don't affect already deployed units, but so far I can't really fathom any reasons other than 'that's not how the Russians roll'.

That's exactly the answer, soviets are a new faction, and they have their particular rules like everyone does.

That won't work with Conscripts, people make them because they have no pop cost, if you upgrade them to NKVD as you are proposing, they will have now 4 pop cost and cannot retreat. NKVDs aren't popular 'cause the pop cost but imo is fine.

Also even if the squads aren't upgraded, probably earned vet and are stronger than their "replacement", besides they can pick up droped weapons without sacrifice slots for our weapons.

I think Aouch example would fit better with guards or strelky because Tank-Hunters is the only unit that avoid that rule.

[GodlikeDennis]

While initially I thought it made for bad play, having only new squads benefit from the upgrades, it has now become an important part of Russian teching decisions and I really like it. The rule is most important for T-34s in my opinion because the upgraded ones are like a whole new unit and vastly more powerful than the base model. With retroactive upgrades, the awesome global upgrades would be too good. As said by bishop, THs don't follow this rule anyway, and several other units (ingenery, conscripts) still gain abilities when the upgrade is purchased making it similar to a nade research + gives access to new units.

[Mr. Someguy]

My only problem with it is having vetted squads suddenly become obsolete.

[Paciat]

My only problem with it is having vetted squads suddenly become obsolete.

Obsolete? Thats a strong word.
IMO Ingineers and T-34/76 are the only units that can gain vet, be upgraded and that can be called obsolete after the upgrade is done.

[GodlikeDennis]

My only problem with it is having vetted squads suddenly become obsolete.

Obsolete? Thats a strong word.
IMO Ingineers and T-34/76 are the only units that can gain vet, be upgraded and that can be called obsolete after the upgrade is done.

Agree with the tank, disagree with ingies. They get satchels after all.