Yes, the fighter on WAK is overkill. It’s imperative to use all fleet and as much aircraft to pose a legitimate threat to USA round 2. Early production in WUS buys at least a turn for France - which is infinitely more valuable than Italy.
As this game played out, Japan took AUS and IND, Germany never won Russia, but it didn’t have to. Which is another subject entirely. I recall stopping myself, thinking what’s the point in taking Russia when it can’t really do anything? I turned to UK and though I lost Italy, the allies never got into FRA! We called it a day after seven rounds and the allies just looking for holes. It was awesome!