I think that GreenKnight's comments raise another set of questions for the MoD.
If the F-35 was ony ever to replace the legacy Hornets, and have the Rhino work alongside them - then surely the Top Trumps inspired equation of
F-35 > Super Hornet
therefore the conclusion thatmit should be the only game in town is rendered a bit farcical.
So some FAA squadrons of E/F/G F-18s would not be quite as obselete or outdated as some would have us grockles believe.