I think such polling has been going on since at least the '70s. The only difference is that there is now the FOI Act to prize the info out of MOD. The trouble is that different blokes (depending mainly on the colour of their uniform) think different things are wasteful. Many eminent journalists have been sniping at Typhoon (the more eminent, the more ignorant of mil aviation technology IMHO). I imagine the Typhoon programme is also at the top of many brown and dark blue hate-lists. Light blue opinion would consign to the waste-bin most of the 25,000 grunts, complete with heavy armour and artilllery, who contribute negatively to our trade balance by basing themselves in Germany to counter a 1960s threat. And the carriers which will consume billions for a minimal capability.
