Gmachine,
Your input is GREATLY appreciated by the silent majority. Those with 'the facts' like yourself are normally summarily dismissed by those on this forum with an agenda and personal prejudice for whatever reasons. Very few would not agree that the program is way too expensive, but the aircraft is here and the question is: 'now that the money has been invested, what is the best path forward.' Some outside of active duty military will try to convince you that the aircarft does not add valuable mission capability that no other aircraft in service can provide. It is not the best helicopter, and it is not the best aeroplane for a reason -- it was not designed to be either. The people operating the aircraft, particularly those in the US Special Operations role, swear by it for a reason...
Hope we hear from you again...