Bismark
1. We're not. The GR is a an equally capable CAS platform. Mark Lancaster is being fed only one side of the argument. Do you know how much was/has/is being spent on JFH during its time in AFG? I do.
2. You answered the question yourself - insufficient numbers to maintain a 24/7 capability in three locations (don't forget the FI).
3. What role do you think the GR4 is doing in Iraq? More to dropping bombs and firing bullets. Just because the Army are confined to a small AOR doesn't mean the GR4 is.
As for your last statement - pathetic and a slur on the dozens who have lost their lives in aircraft accidents and incidents both on ops and preparing for ops (and to sink to your level haven't two of the last three Harrier crashes been FAA? Of course the Navy have never ran a boat aground, been forced to surrender their iPods etc etc.)