Why the fuss on the boom???
No real fuss, the C-17 and Wedgetail are supposed to be boom capable, they can fly from one side of Australia to the other without the need to refuel.
My understanding was the A330-MRTT was always going to go to the RAAF with pod refuel capability first (i.e. 707 replacement for the F/A-18), and boom capability certified at a later date.
In terms of projects being late, the Wedgetail delays makes the 787 project look fantastic.