CM, " it's a question of capability against political expediency."
I think you would need to measure the Harrier against the block 2b to see if it adds to the overall capability. They are talking about combined ops. I think even at 2B, the f-35b will have some sensor advantages to add.
What the politics of it has been, is the same for as long as I can remember.
cm "Or maybe I should not confuse the use of the term IOC with combat readiness."
as I said, I think Block 4 is when it can do what I would want. it's not really cooked til block 5, as I see it.