I think the evaluation process in Australia that was curtailed suddenly in 2002 put some manufacturers noses out of joint, You have to wonder if some bridges were not burnt then??.
As for range both the Rafale and Typhoon have conformal tanks planned, and all alternatives have similar range.
Oz Conformal tanks
Information I have (from a few weeks ago) is that the Australian government have not even sought quotes or delivery schedules for alternatives!!...
How do they know this is the 'best deal' as Angus Houston put it - if they have not asked the price of the alternatives??... This is what I find unusual.
Oh and The F-22/F-111 brigade entrenched in Oz have fire up again, theres now several reports/opinion pieces flying about mainly about begging for the F-22, and questioning the knee jerk purchase of SH..
Danger from China
Just a quick addition, Boeing is refusing to give india the source code for the radar in their fighter competition,
does Australia get operational soverignty, another good reason not to rush into things!!
Cheers