Once again we ignore the synergies of stealth with other mission attributes. A Bucaneer isn't remotely stealthy - more so at 10ft ASL sure - but, what use are your electronics at such a low height? Not much, and I also need to concentrate on not hitting the very-hard-deck as much as, if not more than, the fight.
You make a great point ref design though. The sales pitch was about commonality and affordability was/is a key pillar. As a pillar it's getting more and more eroded as we all know but the family concept was clearly sound in its day. Time has shown the various trades of doing so.
That's said - and I've said this time and again - the aircraft is impressing its pilots bar the odd one or two. It will get through SDD and very soon there'll be more F-35 on the various flight lines than the F-22. It isn't getting cancelled soon, if at all. Ever. But she isn't perfect, which isn't actually possible either.