I would also question the assertion that the F-35B is a 'sub-optimal' aircraft.
I didn’t say the F-35B was suboptimal, on the contrary, I said that it is far more effective than the Harrier that it replaces.
What I did say was that was achieved by the other services having to accept suboptimal aircraft for their roles. I think you would agree that, if either had had the option to start with a clean sheet of paper, neither would have accepted the limitTions imposed by weight, size, structure etc which imposed to achieve the, limited, commonality eventually achieved.
I've seen nothing from the USAF that shows any desire to build any more F-16s, and no news of any major F-15/F-16 life extension programmes.
USAF To Keep Upgraded F-16s Till 2048 As Fate Of F-15C In Doubt - The Drive
https://insidedefense.com/insider/ai...-rfp-f-16-slep
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/y...f-15cd-eagles/