I always found the OP's observation quite common.
To a US guy, Tornado (if they knew their history) would be a B-45.
I found in Asia and Europe, they didn't know what a Lightning was - a P-38? Not the EE variety. Therefore the F-35 is a Lightning "II", not "III".
It needs to have a "F" or "B" designator to register.
But yes, take care not to stereotype Americans, as some are smart.