Originally Posted by LO
JJ - Have you heard of Hitchcock's "Maguffin"?
It's the element in a story that drives the plot, even though it might be almost forgotten at the end of it.
Yes, and and you've offered an excellent example.
Another example might be the long forgotten rationalisation for re-engining the UK F4's with Speys, Allegedly to improve the 'bolter' performance. At one time ALL the UK Phantom's were going to be 'swing role', it was claimed - to be carrier capable. (although the bulk of the purchase, the F4Ms, did not have NLG extensions, etc)
To quote another great story teller, Mark Twain, "Reality, unlike fiction, doesn't have to make sense"
What view Mark Twain held on UK defence procurement is not recorded...