I'm not sure if that pod is confirmed and I thought that was for EW use.
We are talking about different things but the USMC hoped-for EO targeting pod is not funded yet but I have not heard of any intent to use the centreline station for it as it would preclude the gun.
Back in the day the IR-only EOTS looked good enough but the community has got very used to the latest generation of high definition colour TV pictures and features such as Rover capability. For the USMC the F-35 will be a CAS asset for the other 364 days so the lack of 'day color' remains a concern for them.