Heh. I once played "Axis and Allies" with some friends of mine.

I was playing Russia, I think.

There was one territory to the west which was a bridge between Russia and Europe. I wanted to advance through it, but I couldn't get the resources. And they were trying to advance through it on me, so I was basically sticking cheap units there that were good for defending but not very effective on offense. Had them sink a lot of resources that way. Kept them away from the softer regions of my country.

.... I think this has some relevance to your comment....