Some counter weight,
China-42, has been very effective at slowing down the Japanese. They lost five Ftrs to the Chinese, last five full rounds. And were attacked every round.
I wounder if players are coordinating with UK factory and balanced push US? This spreads the Japanese, considerably.
Terrain-this is a strategy level game, not tactical. I like tactical games, for terrain, not sure it belongs in this arena.
Phase sequence-agreed, collect phase first, would be more practical.
National Objectives- surprise, it has altered our play, we need those extra IPC. It has directed our attacks and strats, lot more IPC, resulting more units in play, faster paced game. Great fun, once you get used to ending your turns by going through the cks for extra IPC.
Italy-agreed, color s/b grey, another little change with great results.
You forgot game mechanics, great changes…