Sorry for the thread drift, but I really don't see the logic behind mothballing the relatively new B1 and B2, while dumping vast money into the 60 year old BUFF (I'd estimate the re-engine program at a minimum of $100 million each - probably quite a bit more with the associated R&D).
The B2 is quite stealthy, the B1 moderately so, while the BUFF is the antithesis of stealth. Yea, the BUFF can carry a large load, but the B1 is no slouch in that regard. In any sort of contested airspace the BUFF would be a sitting duck (or as a minimum would require a fleet of suppression aircraft) - the B1 and B2 would have at least a fighting chance.
What am I missing?