No debate about when the RAF got the C-17 as it was bought "off the shelf" (or hired!) as it were.
Do a google search for the long and familiar convoluted history of its entry to service. It was late and over budget.
As was/is C130J/Nimrod 2000/Eurofighter/FSTA . Now A400 is going to break the trend,got to go now Father Christmas is at my front door with some Gucci kit and a sense of perspective for ABIW.
Perhaps he would post the "facts" of how his wonder truck goes so well with less fuel. Anyone from LM how much for leather seats/sat nav/external tanks/winch/metallic paint/sports wheels?
Before the argument loses its point,the C-17 is now a fantastic aeroplane.