So the real problem lies with the issue of how these results, or any information, is presented into the public domain by both pro and anti F-35 media articles. The articles do not discuss the grey areas and details of the pros and cons of simulation vs reality as they push for attention grabbing headlines and hyperbole. I'm not blaming the journalists, more the style of modern media communications. The political and financial issues which circle this aircraft only put fuel on the fire.
Picking up on a few recent points regarding contractor support - it was/is not unusual to take contractors with you on large exercises/events. Examples from my own experience include taking BAES radar reps and Rolls-Royce reps to places like, Malaysia and Vegas on Flying Fish and Red Flag as well as taking them to sea on the CVS. By this point Sea Harrier FA2 was a very mature platform with plenty of extremely experienced blue suit engineers and pilots, but taking the reps gave another layer of confidence and easy access into the Comapny resources. Given the current maturity of the F-35A and the experience level of the Italian Air Force it makes perfect sense to use as much experienced contractor support as was available. Likewise the upcoming detachment to Mountain Home. Crawl, walk, run is an often repeated mantra and yet the push from some quarters would appear to be for all 3 variants of the F-35 to stop crawling and start running at about Varsity level.