So perhaps were carriers like Lexington or even Saratoga "overpowered"?
One thing people have to keep in mind is the restrictions the treaty imposed and that just because it was good ship for its tonnage/how it fit within the treaty doesn't mean at least to me that it as the best.
I've said it before, but I'll say it again here: my hands down choice for most capable carrier is the Lexington Class. Check the other thread to see why.
The Ark Royal was no doubt a good carrier, but the US has superior aircraft even by early war standards. Winston Churchill makes much note of this in his writings about the Fleet Air Arm and it's complex relationship with the RAF and the RN
Yeah, I may root for the IJN in W@S and be a little bit of a Yamamoto fanboy, but seriously, it's good thing we don't have to make these decisions regarding the fates of many.