@JEB:
Yes, it seems that attacking and taking egypt on the first round would solve the problem. I’m kinda new to the game, and the reason I haven’t attacked egypt on round 1 was that I read the “Don’s axis and allies essays” and he promptly advocated NOT to attack egypt on the first round but wait until the 2nd instead. He seemed like a knowledgeable guy, so I wonder how he would have dealt with this. Because he didn’t advocate buying a carrier either, but just one transport and rest inf.
I also have read Don’s Axis and Allies essays more 10 years ago, and they are great for Classic, but you’re playing Spring 1942 and a lot has changed between both games :)
Germany losing the Med fleet on UK1 isn’t critical:
The 2 units that would go to Africa can instead be sent to Russia Sending more than 4 German units to Africa than the starting ones is usually a waste of resources. Those 4 units cost 12-16 IPC and Germany will only get 4-5 IPCs per turn from Africa in return. Japan can also threaten Africa more effectively if it sends transports to French Indochina. Overall the important objective is to increase the total Axis IPC income to 84+. And most of the richer territories are on Europe/Asia.If you want to try some reading for Spring 1942 try this:
http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=27312.0 - German Operations
http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=23032.0 - Soviet Strategic Defense
http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=19962.0 - German Fortress Europe Strategy
http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=25203.0 - German Case Blue Strategy