Early war with the Huron Confederacy doesn't seem to be inevitable, although it does happen often. In my last short campaign, they didn't declare war until something like 1747, shortly after I finally invaded Quebec.

Anyway, so far it seems better to go for India rather than North America super early. The Mughals are much weaker than the Cherokee, and you'll earn a lot of money from your Indian plantations to finance the war in NA. Taking out the pirates ASAP is a very good idea, especially if you're rushing Indiamen to the trade routes as you should be. I haven't tried taking on the Barbary States yet, but it may be wise.