To me, the F-35 is the F-111 for the 21st Century.
It remains to be seen if it can overcome its growing pains and become worth it.
Personally, I do not ascribe to the kitchen-sink design philosophy.
F-111 was a great plane. Ask the Aussies.
Because jack of all trades never works... Except for the P-51, Spitfire, F-4, F-16... And heck, lots of other fighter/attack planes.
Agree.
My concern is the usual DOD/defense contractor act of over promising and under delivering. These things are way over cost, way behind schedule, with not as much commonality as promised.
A common platform for a conventional, STOVL and CV carrier has lots of issues.
I hope I am wrong, these things are going to be it for several decades going forward. Time will tell how they do against our foes.