Well, we don't agree, but thats OK.
Here's an article by Rand (others are available) that lays out some of the issues the US faces, the major one being that the 98' VFA with the Philippines doesn't really make up of the logistical chasm generated by them leaving in 92', i rather think the Chinks would not have been so bold in SCS if the US was still permanently based there. The US has never really replaced that regional base.
https://www.rand.org/blog/2020/02/if-us-forces-have-to-leave-the-philippines-then-what.html
That is not correct, the so called more modern tech was available at the time but the US did not want to get involved, its a big thing sharing nuclear tech, even with an allied power. The French had offered nuc tech but theirs are not sealed for life units and require refuelling which has problems. And finally, you are right about the french programme cost growth, imagine that scenario when applied to a nuclear build.