Apart from the two bombers in the USA there is not much that is really strange… I know that functioneta disagrees about China, but to be honest a J1 where you attack every territory of China is not the best J1 I think you can play.
In the end (let’s say 5 turns) China is usually buried alive yes, but that’s part of the game, it was the same in the old A&A…Personally I believe the current setup is a nice one, it seems reasonably good balanced. It’s very normal that the axis win the early games, cuz their strategies are the easiest to discover. Germany/Italy walk to Moscow (I mean Sea Lion is a real dead horse in this game) and Japan tries to expand to as much IPC as she can grab, after which she puts pressure on Moscow as well. Fighting in the Pacific means only 5 IPC for Japan, why put in so much effort since you can’t take Western USA anyway.
The USA can’t take Tokio either, so why bother going there, Berlin is easier.
I agree with most of your points. I like japans odds in the Pacific.
Again, our 3 games, Japan was a Samauri, cut deep into USA strength.
USA has to pay attention w Qty 2 carriers and 4 FTRs spear head in their waters, on J1-ouch.
You almost feel the anxiety USA must have felt in 1941.
Italy, makes Germany stronger, at least in our 3 games it has.
Italy keeps Axis Africa and the Med clear.
better surface Navy then Kriegsmarine, Allowing Germany to focus more on USSR.
We have our 4th 4 player AA50 game today.
I am puzzled though, other players are having Allied sucess, Axis seem strong for our play.
I like the 1941setup, though, thought it was going to be different.
I will post my own speculation soon.