SS: First of all, thank you for a polite, considered reply - they seem to be the exception these days on Pprune!
I understand where you're coming from, but I think that if nothing else, the A400M will be put to work asap in the AD role (notwithstanding clearances etc.) if only to alleviate fatigue/frame hours on the J. Strips/TLZs as you mention, is a whole different issue.