Plus the Super Hornet buy adds some stuff:
- Tanker capability (ARS pod)/support. It's also a save-money scheme since legacy Hornets use the probe and drogue system, whereas the boom system, used only by the USAF with the obvious exception of the RAAF F-111s. Australia really can't deploy F-111s all the time since on probably average deployed tankers were mixed fuel probe/boom system, and then again, when has the RAAF deployed F-111s in support of any NATO led operation?. Plus you can utilize all aircraft in support of NATO operations because everybody else uses the drogue system. While the Super Hornet isn't the best, it's fast becoming more taskable than just a strike or just plain fighter. People tend to get stuck in one plane, one mission syndrome. Besides, why deploy an expensive KC-135 (or whatever they use) for a training op when you can task out a Super Hornet or two? I mean this isn't the Cold War, countries like to be able to get more bang for the buck. And as SayWhat?! mentioned, it's easier to train legacy Hornet pilots because overall yes, the SH is newer, it's similar in training or an "advancement" program which doesn't require too much additional training, which is required for any new fighter = save money.
- It's a bomb truck yes, but the F-111 can't carry a few LGBs, a fuel tank, and a couple HARMs, and self defense missiles at the same time. Sure the Super Hornet is never going to match the range or power, but I don't know about you, you can do more with less especially if your plane you're flying can carry more. This isn't Vietnam, it's the 21st century, so conceivably, the Super Hornet could do it's mission, but doesn't require a total escort package, a SEAD package, and a whole airforce to bomb one bridge. Again it's 2007, not 1977. Plus you can argue about the Popeye... couldn't you figure out how integrate it on the Super Hornet? And for the argument sake of clearance issues, the F-4 IIRC can carry them, so can the Super Hornet. Besides, the Super Hornet has a better chance of getting to the target than the Aardvark.
- It's new. Sure I don't know what the USN mechanics think of the Super Hornet, but like the F-14, it's old, old and just old. Sure they were great aircraft, but they're old.