Ok this might be an unorthodox idea, but it’s outside the box so hear me out.
We're debating an issue with the JSF on whether or not it is even feasible to continue to develop when there are cheaper more proven options out there, i.e. Rhino as the interim solution and the AT-6 and Super-T as a permanent buy. The follow-on problem in choosing one of the aforementioned - in terms of the USMC - is the issue of having them aboard an LHD/LHA in order to have the complete package. So if that's the problem why not address that issue with the black-shoe side of the Navy.
What I'm saying is, now that we have Electromagnetic catapults, how much of an ordeal would it be to retrofit LHA's with E-Mag Cats? Now you can shoot light FW CAS assets from our beloved MEU that are not Harriers. The SWO types will have to chime in here but, from what I heard and structurally speaking, E-Mag cats are way less intrusive than their steam predecessors. So it would seem, to the naive aviator, that this makes sense from many angles.
Cost. The cost savings from buying Super-Ts or AT-6s vice the JSF I think goes without saying. Those savings can be looped into developing an E-Mag retrofit for the Amphibs and couple necessary upgrades to the aircraft.
Simplicity. A turbo-prop is a simple and less complex platform than a JSF could ever think about being. More than likely, the maintenance issues that would arise would be due to the salty marine environment, not from an engineer’s bad prediction of component failure rates; both turbo-prop options already have an established record. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, why does it have to be stealth? Nothing in the ACE is very stealthy and we’ve been doing fine up to this point – yeah, yeah future threats, blah, blah – then let the Air Force deal with those threats!
Drawbacks. A set of folding wings would have to be included along with some beefy gear (after adding that weight this might be countered with a beefier engine?). Selling congress on this type of redirection is in the mix. And of course the big one, bringing her back aboard. Insert the huge Naval safety center chart of how mishap rates were significantly reduced with the advent of angled decks, yeah I got it. So the problem of a bolter is understandable, but with relative touchdown speed nowhere near that of a jet and having tricycle gear rather than a tail-dragger of days old, this should alleviate a portion of that problem it seems.
Just some thoughts to make our heads go in a different direction for a bit. Anyways, the other horse is bleeding out as he limps away.