Stuffy,
I hate to say it but you're making stuff up. F-35C had no issues with the nose gear collapsing on catapult launch, either steam or EMALS. The evidence is on Youtube if you're doubting. Unfortunately only 1 EMALS launch was able to be conducted before the EMALS broke (for an issue not related to F-35C).
The hook issues are true and well documented but successful fly-in arrestments were achieved last year at Lakehurst. Again see the Pax River Integrated Test Force 2012 Review vid.
If you do watch them, please note the substantial UK involvement in the test programme.