Also, to be fair, there are a few things I do agree with. These planes ARE expensive. But I don't see that so much of an issue as the high maintance costs. It's to be expected...every new plane realeased in the last two decades seems to have suffered high maintance costs. Maybe a combined problem of being unfamiliar with what to expect problem wise and slao that the technology is so advanced that replacing parts is more expensive then usual.
But that *should* improve over time as we understand and are able to start preventing problems ahead of time. Also technology will get cheaper over time.
I also disagree with the marine general fudging his numbers to make his fleet look better. But I feel that's a detriment to the character of the said individual, not the aircraft. Maybe some of the guys up top aren't the best examples...but I don't believe that the pilots are caught up in that game. These guys here are offering you genuine information. They aren't trying to cover up for anyone.