I wasn't trying to be picky, just trying clarify things. I agree with your point though on why the AF is probably going with the VSTOL F-35. They hate having an aircraft that has no other role than to support ground-pounders. Even though the pilots that fly it swear by it.
Even so, the Warthog will be around for a while yet. They AF committed to a major upgrade program for them. Besides, before the AF will be allowed to get rid of them, they will have to prove that the F-35 can do what it does as well as the A-10. The Warthog has too strong a following.
And I, for one, love the Warthog. My son is just committing to 5 years in the Marines (2 more years of college at A&M then minimum of 5 as a Marine officer) so I want the ground pounders to have all the assetts they can get to call on. I want A-10s around for damn-sure. The Marine Commendant officially said that if the AF decides to drop the A10 the Marines want to pick up the program and all of the inventory. I like that attitude!