[SampleMan]

To build on your point about CAS, the B-52s did a great job with JDAM at CAS from 30,000 feet.

I would say though that the attempt to move away from low altitude was premature, and only recently (last 10 years) has it really been possible. I'm not saying your point is wrong, just that weaponry didn't fully support the move until recently. The price has come down substantially, and JDAM allows area coverage (hit a ridge line with a stick of bombs) that just wasn't feasible before from those altitudes. Partly too, I think that the US Army's move into traditional CAS in the FEBA with their attack helicopters, alleviated part of the burden on the USAF.

[Gunrunner2]

Attack helo's been around for a long time, and JAAT (Joint Air Attack Tactics) have been part of the A-10 world for a long time as well.

The Apache added a capability that wasn't there before, and despite "Wild Bill" Cody's over-blown ego and, IMHO, foolish bravado that caused problems in the Balkans, the Apache is a highly capable platform.

Gulf War I was the first real CAS environment that proved operationally that we were no longer tied to low altitude for accurate weapons delivery. Things are getting better every day.