@CommissarYarric:
i fail to see how an NA that throws “the balance of the game entirely out of whack” would be bad.
Not sure if you’re OK with game balance being tilted in favor of Allies, or you just don’t agree that Nonagression Treaty unbalances things. Here’s my take on it: unless USSR attacks Japan right away to blow the advantage, it will take 2 turns or more before Japan can build up enough force to attack any Soviet territory with a decent chance of winning. The differences in production mean that the Axis must win fairly quickly or not at all. The delay caused by this advantage gives Russia a free breathing space in the east that can be decisive, and I think it’s hard enough for the Axis to win without it. One opinion; take it for what it’s worth.
I see your point about Lend/Lease; only problem is, I’ve found it makes the other Allies reluctant to move units - especially aircraft - into Soviet territory. Could be that I just need some less stingy Allies.