Why the "die" language when talking about the F-35?

"Absolutely, die in a ditch, we need this airplane." — Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos

Do you remember the above quote?  I do.  But what has me scratching my head both then and now is why has the talk from the leadership of the Marine Corps become so strident over this weapon system?

The EFV was cast aside without even a fight.  The ACV has been delayed into the distant future without even a backwards glance.

But for some reason, the Commandant of the Marine Corps would die in a ditch to get the F-35.  If that wasn't bad enough then we get this language from the head of Air Combat Command....

'Fight to the death to protect the F-35'

Gen. Michael Hostage, Air Combat Command

Are we perhaps missing something?

Is there a movement inside the DoD that is seriously looking at killing this program?

There has to be.  The language is too strident.  The fear to evident.  The leaks too obvious for there not to be a movement...a strong consensus building to kill the F-35.

I admit this is reading tea leaves, but its the only thing that makes sense.