Excellent post John.
Have we not seen similar (not identical) scenarios where the A-10, though clearly not as pointy as other pointy things seems to be a really effective type for it's role and is not easily replaceable, and also with the B52 which soldiers on even though the B-1& B-2 surpass it on almost any technological level.
When you consider what the USMC already hangs off the Harrier 2s and 2+s, how long before it has a Storm Shadow / Scalp equivalent stand off weapon?