Seems like there has been little attention to this scenario of late...a 1-2 year scenario based on something akin to real history rather than on delusional fantasies of certain Japanese military leaders would be welcomed.
Sad to hear that AI is not ready for this scenario. For me it is the most interesting setting for this war: before Coral and Midway. Japan still has all of its carriers and its options are wide opens.
Two things to point out:
1. In the scenario, Saratoga starts in Pearl Harbor on 1 May 1942. In reality it was hit by a torpedo in January and sent for repair. It came back to Pearl on 6 June, just missing Midway.
2. Hornet starts the scenario in Eastern USA while it should be in Pearl on 1 May. It intended to join Coral Sea but couldn't make it in time.
Not a big deal because I could change this in the editor.