Hempy, the F-22 production run being cut short is a pet peeve of mine. (I'll not digress). From our PoV in the states, our future carrier based aircraft had to be a joint deal (like the old F-111 deal in the 1960's) so that F-35C (CV, replace Hornet) had to be linked to USAF low mix fighter/attack (F-35A, replace Viper) by Congressional mandate.
And so it has, for better and for worse. I see no reason not to make the most of it, even though it is so darned expensive. (I do not blame any of the partner nations for their dismay/frustration at the cost and delay. The complaints are well deserved).