The links in your previous posts seem nothing but enthusiastic, with little evidence of ‘holding back’.
As for your ‘we all know what the Marines think’ is perfectly appropriate since as their role is, front line, first use, expeditionary force, and, the ground force projection unit of the US Navy, they are likely to be early to any conflict. And where else would their budget come from as a part of the US Navy?
As for the USMC 'not having planned any life-extensions for their Harriers' you seem to have picked on the only Harrier operator that has extended the life of that system well beyond any other Nation or Air Force/Navy that operated the type, and, will continue to use them until at least 2025. The Hornets are planned to go on till 2029.
So much for your
Having planned very little in life-extensions or upgrades for Hornets and Harriers, and not having bought a single new fighter in decades, the Marines have a fleet of old and not-very-technically-current airplanes.
https://news.usni.org/2014/11/03/u-s...d-life-hornets
https://news.usni.org/2014/11/03/doc...-aviation-plan
At present the USMC is the largest unit with the most modern warplane on active service in the air today.
More study George, would indeed seem very appropriate, your isolation in S Skerry is doing you no good.