@Shakespeare:
Why is taking Hawaii a bad strategy for Japan?
US buys bombers. Many of them. Strategical bombing raid every round.
Let’s look at the numbers:
US could have 5 bombers ready for bombing at round 2 (lets say one shout down by aa fire, average damage 14), 8 at round 3 (one shot done, damage 24.5), 12 at round 4 (damage 35), 14 at round 5 (damage 42). Japan should have ten victory point now (4+ 4-1 + 4-2 + 4-3 + 4-4).
If Japan will buy fighters to interrupt the strategical bombing raid, US can buy some fighters instead of a bomber to get that defenders down. Result should be the same, only a few rounds later. Japan should never get close to 22 victory points.
From that point on US will bomb as many or more victory points away then Japan will get. US now can build fleet and ships, bombers only for replacing the loss to aa fire. US can now push Japan back slowly, without any time pressure.
I think, an Indian rush is not possible, because the carriers gets out of range while needed as landing place for the fighters that attack at Hawai. Australia should be safe also, US can use it’s starting trannys to bridge troops over and also could bring in the fighters.
Hope, that’s correct and helps.