I have to agree with Grasshopper’s ideas. Purchasing multiple carriers for the US will probably turn out very good for the Allies as the game goes along, especially if you are able to keep them filled with planes. ROCmonster, you are right, carriers are mostly a defensive platform. However, Grasshopper could be wanting that as well. Remember earlier he mentioned getting into a war of attrition with Japan in big naval slugging matches. If the Japanese decide to attack his carriers, they may sink them but they are going to lose ships and/or planes to do so. Eventually, the Japanese navy is going to dwindle and the US Navy will still be strong and get stronger. It’s only a matter of time.
If the Japanese decide to keep away from the US carriers, then continued US Naval purchases will keep the US fleet growing bigger and bigger. Eventually, it will outmatch what Japan can build. Plus, with India and ANZAC’s meddling around and the US support, I really don’t think the DEI and Calcutta will be that easy to take down and keep. Therefore, Japan will not be making as much money as you said earlier and will not be able to match USA in naval builds.
Of course, alot of this depends on how well UK and Russia are able to hold off Germany and Italy in Europe. Too much time spent by US on Japan may mean an Axis victory over there.
One thing I would mention to Grasshopper if you haven’t already considered this: along with the carriers you should also have plenty of destroyers. If Japan gets a bunch of subs and your carriers don’t have destroyer escorts, then the planes on them are useless and the carriers are just big fat targets.