Just my $0.02. For $20, I would put 1 ftr in Scotland (defends fleet), a sub in SZ 96 (for Taranto), 1 inf in NG, and $1 to India. I’ve never played with the rule to allow NG placement, but I can see the advantage.
The only concern will be that this bid is against a typical opponent, i.e., Germans focused on Russia. And since this is a learning game perhaps that is just as good as can be made.
However, just for the record, @trulpen has a preference for a large German fleet to prevent any Western beach head plus if allowed to grow unchecked, will dominate the Med and prevent US build ups.
To counter that strategy, the Allies have three goals: a) save as much of the British fleet Turn 1 as possible to allow them to unite with the US, b) build the US navy in the Atlantic to force a naval arms race, and c) play somewhat loosely with the Russians because the Germans will not be able to spend as much on Barbarosa.
Saving the fleet means 1 ftr in Scotland a must bid
I’m not sure how to spend the remaining 10.
Taranto is a good (but not great) counter, because the aircraft that leave London, coupled with the German naval buy, make Sea Lion a possibility. Most people would say that early sea lion is a loser, but @trulpen is too crafty for that. He will simply threaten sea lion and continue to build. The result is that the UK continually has to defend London and cannot focus on the Middle East.
I think I would support a Gibbastion like move UK1 so that the Allies have naval superiority in the Atlantic. The concern is that the BM3/4 + Vichy can make Italy a real threat early in the game. If they threaten Egypt, then Gibbastion is not so good.
Thus, I would add 2 units to support Egypt. I would add 3, but 1 inf in NG is so yummy that hard to turn down.