If you accept that the Nim money has been paid, and we still had not recieved the 9 aircraft which we started with upgraded to the MRA4 spec - it could be played as being politically advantageous to have an RN order for 'more than 9' new LRMPA at what is portrayed as a decent price.
The gov will just say "that is how you buy wisely".
Long range makes a lot of sense, buton one of the other threads there was a concept of retreading S3 Vikings. Nowhere near as long legged as the Nim, but it would cover the coastal issues and be carrier capable.
It also would only have a crew requirement of 4 and could integrate with the Sentry and SK in the 'battlespace'.
Reading the word of the Truth which the internet clearly is, it does seem that the plane was retired due to econmics and capabilities of the Super Hornet paired with the Orion, rather than because of inherent problems with the machine.
I'm happy to be shot down