Upon reflection, I think the only way to restore balance to the Global game is to change the rules regarding the Japanese Russian border. As the axis, if your strategy is to win the Europe board, then Japans main goal becomes how to best affect the Europe board the fastest. That is resulting in a J1 attack against Russia and a new threat on Moscow that is unstoppable until it reaches the city.
If Japan is given the option of attacking Russia, I think they are going to take it. The only solution I can see is to put some restrictions on the DOW, perhaps make it after round 5 or 6, then either country could engage hostilities if they wanted? Or perhaps make it dependent on something occurring on the board. If China is wiped out Japan can attack Russia. I’m just spit-balling here.
I don’t like it, I prefer to keep the strategic options open, but this move is just too powerful against the Russians, you cannot defend adequately against any Japanese pressure when Germany is bearing down on you as Russia. In the stand alone Pacific game Russia is a nonfactor, and in the Europe board Japan is a nonfactor and in fact you receive additional troops!! That’s why we need a better rule for this border.