@Imperious-Leader 39 start would be great for the “this version is newer and better” story. Could add a new set of sculpts/colors or two- “Allied Minor Powers” to occupy Poland & Greece in Europe / Dutch holdings in the Pacific, and perhaps also (although less needed) some “Axis Minor Powers” to occupy Finland & the Balkans in Europe / Thailand in the Pacific.
RE: Dice, they seem more likely to go D10 given North Africa. Either is fine.
What about spinning off the Soviet Union into a third side/Power to simplify Mongolia rules and give the Chinese KMT (as well as Turkey, Persia, Eastern Europe, and the Allies in general) some ornery Communists to worry about?