COTs LRU's = lower development cost. The production s/w was watered down by the AF. Each/every item, button, capability, function, location was approved by both crew and mnx before they were implemented. If anyone who has personnel knowledge of anything that is below the WSS then you should stand up and make yourself known to the SPO's and not whine here. If you are qualified from an AMP perspective then let it rip. I've talked and interacted with all the system/design engineers and whenever there has been a fix proposed they seek the advice of those who operate and/or maintain the acft. As far as the cost, well with each meeting someone else from the USG wants to "piss on the tree" to leave their mark, therefore the previous decision now becomes void and we relive the whole thing again. This takes time and time is money. Each time someone sez "I don't like it" or "that's not what I'm used to seeing/doing" equals $$$. T&E, SDD, EMD, whatever you call it, what did the lawn dart folks spend on the F-16, 22, or 35? So until you fully understand the capabilities at your fingertips you're just moving your fingers on the keyboard. But hey, Norty has the final say, dang shame that this may get shelved after so much time/money has been spent since the 80's on this mod. Ya'll be safe out there.