This discussion has brought a few more things to mind. If the Axis player can stand to last that long, what do you guys believe is the best way to move in on Japan? I know tri and nc started discussing it a little bit. I personally would establish IC’s with UK on Asian mainland as soon as it is obvious that Japan cannot capture them. Then, if Russia’s economy is still low, I generally use them for SBR’s considering the time and money needed for a tran and troop buildup in the Pacific is simply too much for the Russians; unless they are in control of Berlin and the majority of Europe. As the US I will generally start building up trannies with inf and arm with air and naval support. If Allied naval power allows, an island hopping strategy is another good way to put a joke hold on Japan, while also eliminating any reinforcements to Tokyo.
Another question, which could quite possibly be a stupid one considering the good amount of years that I’ve played this game is, “Can a nation have negative income?” Of course, my initial response is no but this would be an interesting house rule. For instance, if the nation’s economy is -3, it must take away 1 inf a turn until restored. This may give the SBR privelage even more power than it already posesses but it could be interesting to try once.