Well, I like the “traditional” 8 INF build if I am going to be preserving my FIGs and ARM, sicne it gives me “staying power” for offesnive action, as well as great defense.
4x3 INF/ART is not a bad build, but it is slow to develop for Russia, unless you are suckering Germany in to West Russia or Caucuses.
3x3 is a pretty good general purpose openner, but not one I strongly favor. It feels to “flimsy” to me somehow, like Russia has not decided to be offensive or defensive. And I always feel that failing to make a decision in this game and go with it is a BAD idea.
Lastly, I have been playing with a strat in my head of a 3x1x1 open, 3 INF, 1 ARM, 1 FIG. Have not been able to test it in an actual game yet, but theoretically it shows great promise…