It's almost as if the people buying it actually think the price tag and cascading effects are worth it. Which can only mean it is and they know something we don't, or it isn't but aren't telling us.
Which could it be?
I doubt it is such a black and white choice between only 2 possible reasons, it's probably more an amalgam of many reasons to stick with the JSF.
-a vested interest of both the industry and politicians and higher military leaders, the first ones protect their investment/future profits, the others to safeguard their reputation and further carreers.
-a lack of vision when it comes to alternate routes for their air forces.
-a (displaced) sense of loyalty when it comes to buying equipment from the US iso somewhere else leading to emotional choices iso rational ones , most notably in Norway and the Netherlands, not so much so for the other partners (maybe not even the 3 US forces).
-Stealth and its reputation in both the normal and popular media combined with the idea that it is a necessity in all future wars and conflicts.
Of all things this might be a the most valid reason, it only remains to be seen how determining it really is, as for the F35 I doubt it'll be as advantageous as originally claimed, let's be honest here it's not a B2 all aspect stealth bomber, let alone a F22 which is not only considerably more stealthy but also far better equipped to fight and protect itself if required.
-The complex sensor package, this might proove to be its biggest salespoint and biggest achilles heel, a bit like the VIGILANTE before, a platform with so much promise plagued by eternal issues stemming from its complexity.
By the time the F35 has these issues all solved , the competition will have the same capacity available at a much more reasonable price.
-probably many other points.........