I do hope you are correct Uncle G.
I had heard that UK 7 and 8 were deemed too politically sensitive to acquire with the recession and the need for cash elsewhere. Admittedly this was before the escalation of the calls for more equipment so it's possible that has influenced the argument..
It's been said before but if we don't get our finger out and make a decision soon the Mil AT fleets will be in a world of pain around 2012-2015.