TSM
Whilst your huge post covered a multitude of issues, I find it reprehensible that you feel it appropriate to throw mud, then withdraw a few days later.
In these computer driven days, its real easy to point accusation, make over-sentimental claims, then say sorry a few hours after the event. Were we ever to have such a discussion in the Scruffs bar at ISK, I for one would have probably asked you outside, away from the view of the visiting P-3 crew and the UAS on Summer Camp and put you to rights. I hope you can understand that you have more than put a few noses out of joint.
I remain in the RAF, not through a sad, boyish dream of bravado, rather that I firmly believe in what I do, and more importantly those that I work with. I believe, warts and all, problems, of which there are many I acknowledge, the MRA4 will, eventually, do what it says on the tin. We WILL get there. We have to. I so understand, as much as I can, the anguish souls like TD must be going through.
That said, we have to be realistic. With the resources, of which money is one, that are available to us, we will do what we can. That is not a "company line", or a "thats what their airships want to hear". We are trying, awfy hard to make this difficult situation a bit better. Please understand that.
My co-workers are, I know of the same opinion. We don't sit on our fat ar$es accepting a sub-standard aircraft. Yes, we have challenges, but which company in 2007 doesn't. The situation is not, as some have said here, untenable. We are doing the best we can (believe you me we are), and the product will, if somewhat late, do the business.
You should take a deep breath and consider your response th SFO and Difar69.