The first one was how they could put the F-14 tomcat to sleep, and replace it with the F-18!!!!
Instead of that they should have 'juiced' up the F-14, given it better avionics and fire-control systems, and then thrown it at the bad guys.
What other plane apart from the F-14 can operate the Phoenix missile? None!
What other plane can fly as far as the F-14? Only the A-6 intruder... but wait. That one was killed too!
What other naval plane is as efficient as the F-14 in terms of being able to fit into various combat situations, and emerge superior? None. The F-18A was actually the aircraft that was competing against the f-16 (it lost to the F-16 and was 'pushed' to the navy), and although it was an ok fighter it was NOT a fighter-bomber. Then they made it into the E, which to most is neither a great fighter, nor a good strike aircraft!