If the Japanese hadn't over-complicated the plan (a bad habit they had)
Isn't that the truth. Bad decisions by the Japanese high commands and bad decisions imposed by Hitler on the German General Staff sure helped us out during WWII.
The Battle for Leyte Gulf was amazing. Halsey gets suckered out by carriers without planes. His task force 58 (?) with 12 heavy carriers and hundreds of support ships including 20 or so fast battleships were rendered useless.
Odendorf crossed the "T" (second time since the revolutionary war) and destroyed a japanese battleship force in the surgaio (sp) straights.
Our "Baby" flattops were attacked by the largest battleship ever built (sister ship to the Yamoto) Musashi (?... or something like that). If they would've of continued on, they would have definately stopped the invasion. Killed many a solder and brave sailor.
But as usual, the Japanese were overly-cautious and turned back. Next to Pearl Harbor and Midway, the biggest mistake they made.