KenV, well said, good points. We will always have debate on this selection. Your harrier/hornet timing is a bit off Warning! now you have disparaged the harrier, the pitchforks will really come out
I have been privy to several procurement programs in the US, and can affirm that MILCON was huge factor, even if the upgrade to facilities was a one time deal or over a few short years. Things like hangar size, ramp weight, simulators, and for ships: pier upgrades, shore power, draft, overall length, beam, etc etc. As an example one of the LCS designs is much wider than the other and this had huge impacts on basing as it messed with berthing.