Still following and still: great presentation! Those diagrams, explanations, notes, etc. really make this one special.
I do have Italy in the Axis. I didn't take any particular steps. But this seems pretty common in 3.06.
I did 4 rounds of 5 airfields, the last ones finished November 28th (basically the same time as the IC)
As soon as the IC finished in november I started three escort carriers and 3 light cruisers. I also finished the Graf Spee to boost my cruiser practical a little.
I also have minimal training turned on.
I went back to a save from not long before Italy joins. Italy claims to be most afraid of Britain. I have been increasing the threat of the UK since early in 1936.
Increasing the threat of Britain is good if you want to be attacked in 1938. Britain will DoW as soon as its neutrality will allow. I was quite surprised the first time that happened. Increasing the threat of France is best to attract Italy, as it doesn't affect Britain and therefore an early war can be avoided.
Amoral: why are you worried about hull penalties for your CTF's? They won't engage in surface combat.