True, planes are not really needed in Russia except maybe for Moscow. I meant if you had to replace plane losses then that’s less men going to the Russian front.
It sounds like your German opponent goes Barbarossa and keeps a shield of planes and subs against the west? I’m curious what his purchases are.
I agree, I would also sacrifice planes to sink a fleet with TTs, however it can be a costly and risky move. I do think that an extra German bomber or two is helpful mid game as it can threaten Allied ships and attack Moscow in the final push.
I think my purchase lineup for the US can work with most scenarios, but again if need be trade Bombers for warships. I have played as the US and purchased no Bombers whatsoever and found that the Axis have an even easier time defending themselves. Bombers are like the queen piece in chess, maximum range and great punch. Also, if Moscow looks like it might fall sooner than expected those Bombers can be sent in as fodder which can make all the difference.
I find that 6 fully loaded TTs ready to land on US6 is a respectable and decent landing force on its own, add 3-6 Bombers and the Axis are going to have a tough time surviving the attack. If indeed the Axis have strong defenses the US can simply wait until US7 to attack and bring another 5 Bombers up. Next turn 12 land units plus 11 Bombers plus possible bombardments should equal victory unless the Axis has 30+ Inf defending.
I am pro Bombers obviously, but after turn 4 if the strategy calls for it I will purchase TTs and men. But I still like to have an initial Bomber force when going to war.