Graham,
I have noticed how politics tend to get some discussions into pure "nonsensics" (good concept, if nobody has yet invented it)
. However, politics are inherently more important than technology (aircraft).
Technology can however be used as interesting guideline to deduce politics. A very good case of that is a book; Stalinīs Ocean-going Fleet by Rohwer and Monakov. They used Stalins naval programmes to deduce the politics that promted the changes in it. Similarly, the best evidence that strategic bombing was THE grand strategy of Britain in WW2 is found in expenditure decision made at the start of rearmament in 1934-35. (Here I would have liked to connect to Professor Postan study that has become (the book) available online, but such technicalities are beyond my competence in handling the net.)
That said, I do seriously doubt that "Pilot"s theory about Stalins intentions hold water. The frantic re-armament programme 1939-41 has more the appearance of desperation than rational strategy.
P.S. Why do people use these childish pseudonames? If they do, at least they should sign their posts with their names.
Birgir Thorisson