You chaps like to pipe in about our defense matters..so here goes
Jacko
I agree that the emphasis is no longer on the sea lanes and now focused on the littorals. That being agreed upon, you profer that it is cheaper to deploy a squadron of FJ's as opposed to firing up the boat and sailing. Again we agree on the facts of the statement but differ on its value. What has greater staying power? When do you stop counting in money and start counting in flesh. Placing a squadron of jets in a host country(along with the logistical tail) exposes you to political whims of that country.
With ethnic groups not contained by borders, political support for action in a third country may be subject to differing political views and objectives. Types of mil ops may be limited by political pressure to non combat, SAR type ops, logistics, etc.(sound familier?)
Staying power requires you to bring your airport on the roof of your house. Time and again you retreat to fiscal considerations.
Instead, think of a cost to benefit analysis weighted in blood instead of pounds. What provides you with the best chance for victory. Go big, go smart or stay home in times of war, if only I could get my own government to understand this.