There's no need to "make the case" for the F-35 in 2022...the US DoD has already introduced hundreds into service, hundreds more to come, and it is quickly becoming the de-facto choice for NATO and other allies who are in the market for a new fighter (quick rundown: UK, Germany, Israel, and now even Canada is going to buy them, among many others)

The F-35 is set to take the title for "most produced" fighter over the F-16.

Not sure what the point of weighing the merits? Its a done deal