The decision was taken in 08-09 after eads won the competition.
Everyone knew the 2 platforms.
New rules excluding the additional capabilities from the competition where pushed by congress.
Now the USAF gets a 20%-30 less capable platform 2-3% cheaper.
You can't blame the USAF. They just needed a tanker, slected what they thought was best, were pulled back & now do what's told them.
Listen to Patty Murray and other politicians for their proud confirmation:
Boeing news | Tanker shocker: Boeing 'clear winner' | Seattle Times Newspaper