This is starting to get way off thread, but:
some would have everyone believe should be denied an opinion
no one is being denied an opinion - its when opinion is presented as (incorrect) fact - i.e bollox - then its only fair to make a call on it.
RAAF has been allowed to be "disenfranchised" in terms of maintenance capability due to the "out sourcing" to civil maintenance organisations
yep - harking back to the 'good old days'. Are you sure that the overall ADF maintenance capability is reduced because the RAAF workforce has been reduced - what is the basis of this 'fact'. (example - a significant historical cause of J model reduced availability has been spares inventories, not maintenance capacity)
the run down of airlift capability diversification
Are you for real - the RAAF's global airlift capability has never been so good - its agreed that light tactical is worse but look at it in relation to what the ADF has been involved in for the last decade or so. As already acknowledged its a limited budget acquisition prioritisation decision. C-17's, stretched J models and Chinooks supporting the guys in the desert - a pretty big improvement of the all C130 fleet of decades past. Just how would a light tactical transport be contributing to defence outcomes as directed by Govt in the last decade?
We have the Super Hornet, a stop-gap measure
What is the basis of fact for this 'stop-gap' assessment?
than adequate training organisation within ALG if pilots are having to wait 18 months for conversion
It wouldnt have anything to do with a number of C130 airframes deployed on operations for the greater part of the last decade would it?