Ok George, fair points. I still maintain that that whatever Glad Rag has evinced from those he has spoken to within the RAF maintainer community do not represent the general view. Let me reiterate that those RAF I speak with, fully understand the implications of serving in the Lightning Force. I think an equilibrium will eventually be achieved; for instance, those who would have joined the RN to go to sea, but perhaps prefer many aspects of an RAF career may, in future, choose the latter because the Lightning Force can offer what they wish.
Glad Rag - don't get the Birmingham reference sorry (Cosford?). As for the "ad hominem" I apologise if the entire two preceding paragraphs seemed a set-up to personally attack you. It was not the intent, as I really don't have an ounce of emotional investment in such things. Unless of course, you and I run into each other in our professional lives. Perhaps a beer or two could begin to solve our different opinions on the F-35. Who knows!