Re the overall cost of the F35.
If I remember correctly the F-16 had the same problem with cost over-runs and doubts about its performance when it entered service and what a fine aircraft it has turned out to be. The many operators of the F-16 have a problem with what to replace them with so, as the airframe is proving to be capable of more so they simply up-grade the avionic systems.
I believe the F-35 in all its guises will as successful as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 have but it will take time and money for it to so
A4K