LP: The Australians who I have also spoken with are hugley disappointed in its capabilities and, if rumour is correct, they are looking for a way out of the project as well.
I think that is a bit of a stretch, LP. Yes, there is disappointment with its capabilities - it does fall short of the current AP-3C (re radar and ESM) as that was a great upgrade.
I think perhaps RAAF would like to keep some AP-3C to make up the P-8 capability gap. But there are some advantages:
speed to get to AO,
commonality with existing Wedgetail and BBJ.
And mainly as USN, RCAF and probably RAF will operate P-8, it makes it the 'only show in town'. Then we will upgrade our P-8Bs to an AP-8B standard to pick up the shortfalls.