KenV,
I think that's the difference that a few months make in the FAF A400 programme - The RAF C-17 lifts started in mid-Jan 13; the first FAF A400M wasn't delivered until Aug 13.
In this case, it was purely down to timeliness, although i think it will be interesting to see how the practical comparisons work out in due course. It wouldn't surprise me if the C-17's width, and capacity for a variety of vehicles to be loaded 2-abreast will make a big difference.
It seems that, so far, A400M's USP is a few points of CBR on unprepared or semi-prepared strips...that will only make a difference in a minority of missions.
Still, we can only wait and see how she develops with proper time and effort.