Given that the C-17 was a tried and tested platform when it arrived, then yes I’d hope it did do what it said on the packet. The J being a new design might be expected to be late and have some problems, especially given the certification process a new ac has to go through.
However, the J has emerged as a very capable ac and despite what the rumour mill pushes out the tactical trials are going well. The boys involved are really excited about the capabilities that the ac is going to give us. You are correct in one area though the flight deck is not fully NVG compatible – but very few microwaves are these days.
The packet said tactical airlift ac – which is what we got. In some circumstances a Mk 3 could carry more than a J, its MTOW being 5 tonnes higher (albeit with the same wing box and fatigue life as a Mk 1). However, at the high weights were talking about that advantage would most likely be negated by the mass of the fuel required with its older engines. The J’s airframe is not wildly different from a K but the engines are; consequently anywhere hot, high, short or contaminated (or even and if you like) is not an issue for the J and this is where it’s real value lies – not in strategic bubble rap delivery.
The J is ideal for working a hub and spoke operation in concert with a strategic AT ac like the C-17. However, one stumbling block to harmonising the way we operate might prove to be an ill-informed t****r from one type slagging off an ac he's never even operated.
I do mean that in a constructive way of course.