I feel strangely able to respond early today BB. Must be something to do with the fact I didn’t have to stay up long last night listening to the cricket!
Don't underestimate the difference between TAC and SAC - they were two distinct missions and modes of operating - not "single-role". The RAAF then went on developing unique roles for the aircraft - RF-111C recce, and maritime attack with AGM-84, later AGM-142 - which were not picked up by the USAF.
While TAC and SAC were certainly very different organisations (in many respects separate services), ultimately SAC, TAC, RAF and RAAF F-111s were developed for medium range, low level penetration. Yes each had differing avionics and weapons and you guys pushed it into the maritime environment, but that is far less challenging than F-35 demands. That requires true swing role BVR/WVR air-air, air-ground and ISR integration into a 5th gen type (with all the airframe and sensor implications therein) for a far wider scope of customers.
To be honest, I think F-35 development has proceeded pretty smoothly given the challenges!
Hopefully, all your Pigs will go to good homes. I worked with RAAF jets in Alaska for Cope Thunder and on your home turf for Pitch Black (both in 98 iirc) and USAF EF-111s during the Balkans (including the most badly timed engine fire in the history of Air Power just prior to the push for the original Udbina strike!). The jet always had presence.
Anyway, that’s enough from me…the cricket highlights are on!
Regards,
MM