Pearl Harbor The Best Bad Option

Didn't get past the ad for the video game. I'm going to assume I know where it's going.

1. US puts oil embargo on Japan
2. Japan needs oil to continue 2nd Sino-Japanese War
3. Oil is there for the taking in Dutch East Indies
4. Japan thinks conquest of DEI will bring was with US
5. US military in Philippines will hinder Japan's conquest of DEI
6. War is inevitable so why not start with a killing punch?

Some say Japan was painted into a corner. Two options, peace in China or war with US and GB. But there was a better opening move. Simple invasion of the Philippines. Logic (and the US war plans) dictated that the Pacific Fleet steam across the ocean the save the islands. Picture this huge convoy, all these slow antiquated battleships, slowly chugging across the Pacific. Just like the Russian Baltic Fleet, chugging toward Tsushims The three carriers just acting as scouts, not a real fighting force. The Japanese could sting it with sub attacks and from land based planes. Then pick a spot and attack with its overwhelming carrier superiority. The US capital ships had poor to no AA guns. They sink not in the shallow water of Pearl, but in the depths of the South Pacific. And probably the carriers too. The Zero was superiority to any US carrier aircraft.