NoMoreFreetime,
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating an instant solution: the introduction of 10 new heavies would take at least 9 months but a long term solution is needed. The T*s may be a stopgap but they can't be expected to carry out med range airlift, long range airlift and tanking when, for the sake of $3-400mill other aircraft could be introduced to take on the transport tasks.
10 used 744s would cost around $400 mill: they have better fuel burns, lower maintenance costs, more seats, more freight capacity and can cover the ME and MPA routes. I only suggested the A300s as they provide almost the same capacity as the T* but cheaper to run.