But the conflict is WW2. Why should I play Portugal if it wasn’t directly involved in the war? What’s the point of playing as Sweden?
It’s like playing a game about the American civil war and start the game as Turkey.
You're more deconstructing you own point there. The game is supposed to allow anyone to change history -- that's why you can select any country at the start. But a truly historical game without fundamental mechanics changes or elaborate focus trees for
everyone would be boring unless you played the traditional powers. Not only will you destroy player agency with those giants, you will destroy it for the little powers.
These formable nations are a good goal-setter for a campaign with a minor nation. Gran Colombia, anyone?
And no, it is nothing like the American Civil War. Every country had an story -- even neutral ones. Do you think Salazar
wanted to be neutral? Britain had to call in a treaty made in 1375 just to keep them out of it. The Swiss infamously handled Nazi funds while being neutral. Even Nepal aided Britain under the Ranas. I would prefer to see the game made more in-depth than see my divisions moved to the Maginot for me.
And let me say that the point of the game is to
change history, not to follow it to the minutest detail. Otherwise it is little more than a game of micromanagement and scripts for Germany. Although, given your desire to not have Stalingrad go as planned, it seems what you want is a game that isn't about painting the world your color. In which case, just play it that way.