But, remember the F-16 was designed as a cheaper alternative to the F-15 so that it could be used as a clean-up dumptruck after the F-15 established air superiority.
As it worked out, the F-16 does everything the F-15 does cheaper and nearly as well. The F-35 can assume the same role with respect to the F-22. It's mission has to mature as it's capabilities mature.
The A-10 is a stand alone airplane without peer in accuracy, loiter, lethality and fear factor. The only plane that approaches that legacy is the BUFF and that is because it can dump more than 100 500 pounders on you before you even know its there. I have an acquaintence named Charlie than can attest to that.
“100 500 pounders “
NOTHIGN says FU like a flight of bombers dropping that kind of payload!