ORAC... Do you really think the reason your lords and masters buy fewer toys for the boys is because they'll need less pilots/engineers/tankers etc?... I don't think so? Besides fewer pilots, for example, means less flexibility when they have run out of crew duty time/run-off to join the airlines... and you still need someone for SDO... (same arguement y'see?)
Sure, these factors come into the procurement big picture? My dit was only a illustration...? Please re-read my first two paragraphs to see my point.... what I'm saying is, if you want to replace something replace it, don't upgrade unless you can afford too?