LO,
All true, it just seems that many are quicker to paint the F-35 programme in a negative light than a positive light, even when significant progress is made. Any positive news is dismissed as 'spin' from LM, perhaps another case of good news not selling copies?
LM are a business, so you are right, they will not always be forthcoming about issues. But as a highly classified project, should they be upfront in baring all for possible adversaries to see? I don't see the Chinese telling the world about flight test issues with J-20 etc...