Like your thought process wayward.
It would seem that a fully HUGgernauted F/A-18A would almost be as capable as a "super" (read slightly improved) Hornet.
Whilst most of us colonials dream of F-15E, the F model Hornet would certainly be acceptable.....Unfortunately, I think we can put the NACC (New Air Combat Capability) project firmly on the Seasprite side of the Defence procurement floor staring in awe at the short notice, therefore blessed with having avoided 10 years of procurement polishing, C-17 project!!