Defence capability white papers are window dressing for the main aim of government and industry - votes and profit. Noone gives a flying ____ what the operators think because a polly can come in over the top and decide whats best for his electorate (or future employment possibilities). Somewhere in the future Defence will be whinging about the lack of or unsuitability of equipment and you'll then be able to trace an interesting chain of events back to a 5 minute politician saving his arse. And so shall it ever remain.....
Having said that, one must remember that if Australian jobs are up for grabs much reason disappears and paranoia and a delusion of competence overwhelms the community as it claims it can build 'it' as good or better or quicker. So blame the Aussie voter too.
I'm certain the selection of BAE for the RWR had practically nothing to do with its fitness for purpose at the time of the decision.