Is that part of it. I know it’s a jet manufacturing industry issue, and competition for new systems, retiring senior staff going to these industries, etc.
I know (many of) the pilots who fly A-10s like close air support just fine.
I agree, and I have met some A-10 pilots. Everyone of them has told me they love the aircraft and their CAS role. It’s the Air Force as an institution that hates doing CAS.
As to the new systems issue, you hit the nail on the head there also.