From experience of running COEIAs - including F35 models - the appraisal is only valid and, therefore, the suitability of the system in question to meet the operational requirement confirmed, IF the system confoms to the standards used to create the models. Any changes to specifiacations immediately invalidate the trial and the only way to confirm that the changes are "acceptable" is the re-model and re-evaluate. Believe me, relatively small changes in specs can have disproportionate effects on the overall operational effectiveness. This hasn't been done in this case.
So, unless anyone believes that we should blindly support the project by accepting the changes to the specs without thoroughly re-evaluating it to see if it meets our needs, we should now be "on hold" pending a complete appraisal of the new capability on offer. It looks pretty obvious now that we have here a platform with piss poor performance - way worse than a lot of platforms we've operated before. The remaining strength, stealth, may not be enough to carry the day.
Is this about the UK's investment in the system or procuring the system we really need for our carriers?
Time to stop and do a thorough re-evaluation.