The reason we have the Air Force we have is because it has been adequate to the task.
You need to learn the concept of opportunity cost. And also the idea of "money doesn't grow on trees".
Correct. We are not currently in a state of armed conflict.
If however we were to go to war with Russia or China as part of an alliance then what potential military threats might we face? Is it inconceivable that we might face air or sub-launched cruise missiles against our fleet and naval bases? Against our NORAD radar sites? Against our airfields? Critical infrastructure? Is that not exactly the reason we have fighters in the first place?
And then what? We'd still be better off developing a GBAD and SBAD centric missile defence system because we'll never be able to put up enough aircraft continuously to cover all avenues of approach. You're talking about something that even the US doesn't think it could do at home effectively and efficiently. Hence, Golden Dome.
you say so, but didn't even the Israelis' with all their hardware end up resorting to fighter patrols to fend off the Iranians attack?
Postage stamp countries that are within SRBM range of a major adversary have a higher risk of saturation attacks. And if you're anticipating saturation attacks the first step should be building up air defences. Not buying more jets. Don't put the cart before the horse here.

