[Catfish]

The plane that just comes out has usually been planned two decades ago, and is already obsolete when the first AC is produced. This is as true for electronics (cpus, displays, electronic defense) as for materials (carbon fiber composites), as for the reaction of the outer hull to new AA infrared, radar and lidar systems.

Additionally the general frame and using conditions (strategy/tactics) have changed, so a jet designed for what would have made sense in 1989, will not necessarily in 2009. This is certainly true for every war jet, not just the F 35.
Which is probably also a reason for abandoning the F 22, apart from the costs.

The F 35 seems not to be as bad as they say, you can let fly some of them in formation, automatically and computer-controlled, or fight enemy targets with several F 35s acting automatically as a swarm, together.
I am not sure if such things always make sense though. Especially if considered enemy elwf could be able to penetrate and overtake functions, or spoil the systems altogether.

For what i read the worst seems to be the carrier version to be landed via arrest hook, of the F35. As they say the fuselage cell is not up to the stress of a landing with the needed sudden breaking forces, so the airframe has to be controlled everytime, and most probably maintained for a hell of a lot of money – if possible at all, with a 'streched' airframe. Also, developing micro cracks after only one landing does not look good.. never underestimate operative expense, and mechanical complexity.

It is a fine plane, but the costs reflect that.