So in my argumentum ad absurdum methodology, I was considering attempting to squash the economy of the enemy more directly AND raise the income of the Allies. In the case of a Bombay crush or even a slow burn attack on India, the middle earth strategy will only maintain the status quo. This doesn’t expand the economy of England unless one attacks the neutrals. It doesn’t hurt the Japanese unless one succeeds at defeating the Japs in a climactic battle and pushes into SE Asia. Even then his loss is minimal. If Japan is doing a Moscow crush or is invading Hono and Sidney for a Pac VC strategy, you could also push in and perhaps encourage the Chinese. It is a 0 to 10 ipcs gain with all of Africa, plus five for a British bonus.
Perhaps the most significant damper on Axis income would be the denial of Italian bonuses. My strategic efforts thus far have failed to do this consistently. This must be corrected.
The Russians could stage a Nordic push that puts cash directly back into Moscow’s coffers. It also steals money from Berlin. It is in the kitchen, so to speak, and it will get hot. It will demand allied support, but looks to be the most lucrative. 5 to 8 in IPCs plus 6 in bonuses. It takes away 5 ipcs from the Huns. In conjunction with this effort one might gather troops in Ukraine. Ger will be tempted to bypass the force for the capital, but most likely will not because of the danger to his backfield. Those 18 or so troops can chew at the infantry fodder and delay the approach to the capital.
Another possibility is to combine with the British in a neutral crush by an armoured thrust through Turkey into the Balkans. Obviously, the Russians are wildly thrashing about, trying to split the Ger forces and relying on British and American fighters to make up the difference in the defence of the homeland.
The Americans could build tanks staged in Central America, ready to swipe 8 dollars from the neutrals. It is unsustainable for the Americans and the Japanese to be making the same income. America needs cash and my method of raiding the Western coast of Europe doesn’t seem to be “cutting the mustard” economically.
Hono is too costly to defend I’m concluding. I would suggest every American fighter in the set up be sent there and then onto garrison Sidney via Queensland. This leaves open the American holdings in the Pac to being captured and a loss of 5 ipcs of our funds. It also delays American offensives, but we sticking these killers in an island castle.
America can recoup that five by capturing Spain, Portugal and Normandy. An additional 3 could be got from Holland. Liberating France has its disadvantages, but staging a ground unit there earns a bonus of 5, gives at least four to the French and takes 4 from the Axis. I will try to come up with a dream map of mid game allied gains and more certain numbers.
The shuck infrastructure.
still looking good economically.
