MONEY
Mick, Totally agree with last sentence. MONEY!!!
A lot of projects that "In the long" term could be cheaper are now undo-able.
SARH, DTR for example. We can not afford the start up costs!
If this idea of F18F has any future it can only be good. An aircraft that is still good for carrier ops and yet is less compromised for land use, if you have runways.