[engi_nerd]

> Replacing the harrier with the same craft is an engineering nightmare.

This is another misconception. The F-35 emerged from a DARPA study in the 80s to create a stealthy STOVL aircraft. The F-35 as designed started with the F-35B. The other two variants were created through modifications to this design.

[alkonaut]

The outcome is the same: replacing the 16/16/18 with a craft that is also the future stovl craft, is an engineering nightmare.

[engi_nerd]

All aircraft are engineering nightmares from the perspective of the engineers who work on them. It's a very stressful and difficult field.

That's not to really argue for or against your point, but more of a personal observation.