So while they are cheap per hour they are limited in application. That's why they not been used since I was in very short pants.
I guess that this is why the Afghan Air Force is getting 24 A-29 Tucano types for the COIN role there..
I guess the AAA isn't expecting to become a global super-power needing to project power across much of the globe, so an airframe with a limited application that closely fits their needs and budget works well for them, but for a very few others.