An alternative way for the USA to "loose" in WW2 was to remain strictly neutral at all cost, following the original doctrine of Isolationalism of the early 20's to the letter, with a weaker and less charismatic FDR, a more powerfull Congress and a strong national Pacifist feeling, especially towards Europe.
At all cost means the Japanese would not go to war against the USA, since the USA were less opposed to the demands of the Japanese in this case, as long as they could remain at peace with other states. The Philippines might be problematic, but as it already was something the USA as an anti colonial power was not realy wanted, the USA might accept an early inependence of the colony, even if that would mean japan could get a free hand in SE Asia, with the withdrawing of US millitary in that region. (Isolationalism again).
A more Autarkish USA with a strong internal feeling and little or no itnerest in the outside world, was a recept for a much weaker USA, as it would loose most of its influence in the world as a result of remaining outside the unwanted conflict. The USA as a power would not be affected that much, as the domestic policy and economy would remain as it was, but its political international prestige would throw the USA back to a level of other Isolationalist states, such as modern Norhtern Korea.