Beagle,
The AAR was, I understand, removed to enable the pongoes to purchase more equipment for the ASTOR ground segment. This was done on the basis that the ac met its specified endurance even with all the extra kit on. This is all well and good until you have to operate the ac from wet runways with crosswinds, or in hot and high conditions where a max fuel load is not possible.
Gorilla,
I hope that I never become as sad and cynical as you.
Regards,
M2