I have played this game F2P and I had a dozen maxed out soldiers by the 36 hours mark. That is pretty easy to accumulate.
I dunno what region you play on but everyone I see typically uses semi-auto’s or select-fire rifles (myself included, but that’s my own playstyle). Bolt Actions are indeed better for handling enemies with the Vitality perk after the recent buff, but I don’t think there should be any perks that pertain to Health in Enlisted. Also, I don’t even like the recoil perks either. So I’m beating everyone to that right now as well.
All I’m saying is that this game is far more thrilling with a consistent, short time-to-kill.
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I feel it just is low impact on the ttk. I rarely get squad wiped because someone has 3.5 extra hitpoints.
I personally notice it a lot, but everyone’s experience can vary. Just like the “playerbase” issues.
Id call 36 hours a significant time. 
What i find very interesting in this discussion those who use it, say it has no significant influence, while those who recognize a noticeable impact “should git gut”.
I find it amusing that the widely accepted “best perk in the game” grants not significant advantage.