I really hope the Air Force will retire the A-10!
(Said no Grunt ever)
What they really need to do is get rid of the stupid "fixed wing/rotary wing" bifurcation, and split it into "ground support" and "air superiority" missions. Give the A10's to the Army and Marines. The Air Force has always hated the "ground support" mission, seeing themselves as "dog-fighting jet jockeys".
Was about to respond with shock until I saw your second line...