Del,
I didn't respond to Leon's first two paras as I could see nothing worth responding to. If he thinks QRA is a strategic role then he clearly understands little.
No chip re FJ, and I am aircrew, but I have observed over the years the way the RAF has been poorly served by the "FJ pilots rule OK" attitude of the top of the RAF. At long last the best man for the job has been selected and you will reap the reward.
Re your comment on MPA. The MPA role was cut because Nimrod 4 was a disaster and the department needed to make savings. The role will return in some guise but don't fall into the trap that it will be an RAF ownership. The role is maritime and the appropriate duty holder may well be the RN.
PS The no fly zones in Iraq did not bring Saddam to the negotiating table, they just stopped him flying. Effect? Good for the Kurds and some others, but little else.