Mr Whirly,
Thanks but I understand entirely whats at stake and the point of some peoples thoughts. I only partake to correct a few bits of blatant missinformation and gossip where I can which is fun and passes a few moments.
I haven't missed the point of crabs and others attempts to change the future or hold on to the past. Both pursuits have merit in that they demonstrate the depth of feeling and passion and I share both. However, I am a realist too and whilst it would be nice to believe that the members on this forum can alter the process because we had some magical answer that no one else can see, it just simply isn't the case.
The powers that be in the MOD as I have already said don't have the money or the will to be involved in SAR anymore and nothing will change that. As nice as it may be to believe the Seaking could solider on ad infinitum it just isn't going to happen and nor would it be cost effective. So an alternative has been sought that will provide new equipment across the board, something that the current military system cannot do and thats just a fact as much as it may be unpalatable.
Is it the best process delivering the best solution? Before you answer that I suppose you have to define "best process" and "best solution". But again though we can all banter about it all day long the process is a government one and I sure they don't give 1 hoot for our opinion and the solution they will get is the one they (the DofT) are asking for. The fact is the final bids are in already so we cannot change either the process or the outcome. So there are only 2 options left, get busy living or get busy dying.