So first off, let me say, that unless France went poorly, and I lost too many units, I always take Normandy on G2. So, this is kind of a new line of thought for me.
It should not be new to you. I’ve been preaching it at IP games and here on the forums since 2016. Here’s an article where I specifically mention not taking Normandy:
The combined UK economy could always upgrade the Calcutta minor, like a tax on 1st turn purchases to prevent radical changes to first turn moves. The important thing is the UK Pacific economy wouldn’t collapse if Calcutta fell.
However, I’m still thinking about a Minor IC in Romania (later in the game) just so I can combine a few artillery each turn.
I was thinking:
Buy 7 artillery turn 1. (save 2 ipc)
Also move all starting artillery to Russia. (use planes to kill the French, and limit the naval battles to kill UK trannies and destroyers)
Now you got a lot of artillery on the eastern frontline that later mech buys can exploit.
