I wouldn’t, no. I think the fact the you can’t sail from Crete to Calcutta in one turn is a feature, not a big.
I’m also not sure the UK needs a free starting factory with these map changes.
You do you, though. :-)
What if Naval Bases could provide AA cover for ships in a sea zone serviced by a NB. It would seem logical, since the base is located near the coast and would most likely be equipped with Anti Aircraft weapons. So the rule would go something like this: Naval Bases could conduct an opening fire defensive action using an AA gun that could target no more than 3 air units, this would last only one round. After the AA gun fires, normal combat proceeds.
Though if the NB being used is damaged, it cannot use this ability.