It's a promising platform.
Yes, it was designed as a tank buster, but also took to the CAS role rather well.
As for replacements, I have seen some aircraft that, as you said, are reminiscent of the A-1. One was a modified Agcat and the other was from Beechcraft and based on the T-6 Texan II.
It's a promising platform.
I always thought we should have kept the P-47 for close air support too although the A-10 should not be cut, nor the U-2. We need to dump the junky F-35.