We like the new chips too (smaller, and take up less space), and your right we do scramble for them throughout the game(s), and it should have come w/more. I bought a copy of the beginner 1941 game last year, and those chips match up. They have different colors, but we make it work. It has red for extra CP, gray we use for allies (or CP in a pinch), and the green we use for the US just because their units are green, and it saves the blue for the other allies. I realize that this is a luxury that long time games have, and noobs might get baffled, but many times noobs are introduced to these games by long time supporters, so they too could have access to more stuff, or get chips at various sites pretty cheap.
I know it’s a PITA, and mixing game pieces can be a bitc…. but the game itself is pretty damn cool. I’m enjoying Larry’s newest 2 move mechanic, and the fact the he listens to the community to make these things possible, along with the support help that you get from Krieghund (and others) over rides any of the short coming of production, rule issues, or anything else you can toss in that hat IMO.