ORIGINAL: jwilkerson
Freedom from assumption that USN CV doctrine only allowed single CV TF...
Allies can use multiple CV TF's right at the start of the game. I think the point is about capability of successfully coordinating large strikes. If, on the other hand the point is actually about obeying a doctrine that CV strikes be small, then I agree with you - remove the doctrinal restriction.
Regarding the IJN ASW, what I'm interested in is what were the accurate capabilities? You seem to be talking about the pre-war IJN doctrine governing what capabilities were developed. That's kind of akin to the issue of developing aircraft that were not available in the war, or developing them earlier than they were available. I realize that the Japanese player is allowed to make some production and R&D changes, but that's the only place in the game where that option is available.
It would be interesting to have vastly expanded options regarding development of technologies & techniques. That would be a radically different game than now.
The current ASW model (both sides) seems to do a pretty good job.
Getting back to the CV issue, my best understanding is that the strike coordination rules model capabilities as they existed at the beginning of the war and as they evolved, especially for the USN. If I'm wrong and it is doctrine that's being modeled, then certainly it should be changed.
My basic principle is model the capabilites accurately, let the players make the decisions. (Side note: I do not mean to have every low level command or TF or ship micromanged.)