what the deal DOES do is prove the lie to all those who said the Harrier fleet was old/outdated/unserviceable/unsupportable.
It just makes all the anti-Harrier rhetoric even more obviously a total load of political rubbish, with commentators here and elsewhere posting incorrect statements in attempts to save their jobs / scrap their mates job.
Its clear from this purchase, and the statements that come from it, that the UK Harrier Force was a viable, maintainable fleet, which was capable - if serviced and maintained - of carrying out the expeditionary role required for the support of our land forces.
Otherwise why would the USA be spending the money?