hipper
Banned
Taking Crete doesn't need actual invasion, starvation works too; the Luftwaffe pulled it's attention away in 1941 and in 1942, but in 1942 it just missed starving out Malta:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Pedestal#Aftermath
The trouble with Malta surrendering in July 1942 after a failed pedistal is that it's too late whatever happens Torch will happen in November 1942 presenting the axis with a different set of problems which holding Malta won't solve.
In 1940 Malta had been stuffed full of supplies so it could not be starved in 1941.
To take Malta and have it help the Axis they have to choose Malta instead of Crete for invasion.
Crete is too close to Egypt to be cut off or starved out fighters can be flown directly to the island.
Cheers Hipper