Tablet,
You are entirely correct in your summing up of the current situation, but surely the question should be
How the f*^% have the RAF managed to balls up the situation (at Scampton) so badly?
There have been so many studies into the future requirements for the RAF, it has cost the MOD £M's, but unfortunately these individual studies have not been coordinated, so one study recommends one thing, and someone else recommends entirely the opposite. It is only just now that these opposing recommendations are coming to light.
Yes the CRC will open on time early next year, but the rest of Scampton looks unlikely to happen, and last I heard, Leeming was looking a favorite.
Don't put any money on it though, because one thing is for sure, the RAF will not be spending any money more than necessary, the cheapest option is, unfortunately, the best, as far as they are concerned.