The reason why we are not spending a bunch on legacy platforms is as follows.
1. Each update program has a overhead fixed cost, per update program. A new platform has the same overhead cost as each little update, and you get a lot more out of it.
2. The current legacy systems are completely capable of fighting little wars against third and 4th tier opponents. updates are not needed for that task.
3. The current legacy systems are not capable, with any package of updates you can name, against a first tier opponent. The new Air Force and Navy systems will be effective. (I don't have personal expertise on the current crop of new Army or Marine programs, and so withold judgement.)
Hope that clears it up.
I've spent most of the last 1 1/2 years working acquisition for legacy platforms.
1 - No, a new pod doesn't have the same fixed cost as the F-22.
2 - We won't have enough 'new systems' to handle a war against a top tier opponent. No way in hell. That means we will have to use legacy systems. And it is far cheaper to upgrade 200+ legacy platforms than buy 40 F-22s.
3 - With commercially available upgrades, legacy fighters can be effective against top tier opponents. A lot depends on what you forcast the threats to be in 2020. I think the USAF has made a poor prediction in order to justify the F-22.
The USAF has sold its soul for the F-22. It has gutted any legacy upgrades, gutted strat airlift, and now it is gutting manpower - all to buy a limited number of aircraft.
If this were an either/or situation, I could chalk it up to a difference in opinion.
But it isn't an either/or situation. If you go to the American taxpayer, and ask if they are willing to spend what it takes for a first class military, the answer is a resounding YES. Our leaders, in the USAF & DoD, haven't done that - and they haven't because the WH doesn't want them to do so.
I've met too many Army guys with two tours and rising going back again this winter. My son-in-law expects to be sent on his third tour with the Marines this spring. I'll leave this winter on my first, but expect to go back again a year or so after I get back, because we're short handed and I have some unusual training.