I think he is saying that they (and certainly the F-16/18 as light weight fighters (thanks you Boyd)) came about as a consequence of the fingers burnt with the F-111A/B single design for USAF/USN debacle.
Thanks ORAC, that is exactly what I was attempting to say.
Tourist,
You have never written Flight Manuals for Airbus have you Turbine D?
You're having trouble with meaning of French translated into English words, are you?
sandiego89,
You provided definition to the point the best military jets are designed for specific missions, unlike that which has taken place on the F-35 program.