I think Wolf has it about right
The USAF wanted more F-22's, the rest of the world wanted a cheap (cheaper/cheapest) new generation all singing all dancing aircraft so what we've finished up with is a F-104 story in reverse if you like - a limited load, reasonably stealthy strike aircaarft sold buy LM and the various air staffs as able to do ANYTHING a protential customer asks about
surprised they haven't suggested it for the UK MPA requirement TBH