The one thing that other systems cannot match is the A-10’s ability to take fire, still complete the mission and return home.
I friend of my father was a Warthog driver (early 80s I think). He told a story where, during "target practice" he "hit a tree". He came in just a smidge to low. He flew the plane back to base where it needed a dent pulled out and a paint job.
Now THAT's ground support!
Bingo. The A-10 is simple, effective, reliable, and cheap. I guess that’s why it has to go!
Its very resilient but thats not a winning argument. The response to that argument is other aircraft aren’t subject to the fire in the first place so its a moot point. The air force would prefer to drop a 500lbs bomb from an altitude where small arms cannot reach them moving fast enough the bigger stuff misses.
IMO where the A10 is so much better is its ability to provide close cover and loiter for long periods.