“It was intended to be stealthy during ‘first day of war’ then become a non-stealthy bomb truck in subsequent days and weeks of a conflict.”
Its stealth is not full stealth, its a low observable, but it is detectable. And when it has anything external its totally not stealthy, AND its helpless against anything that can see it. It could not outfly an F-16 in a visual situation. A Sukhoi would eat it alive if it ever locates it.
Yes, the F-35 is detectable, it just can't be targeted by any SAM known to exist today and no known BVR AA missile.
It's invisible to high frequency targeting radars.
It's enemies will know it's in the area and not be able to do anything about it.