Every new airplane has problems. The C-17 program was nearly scrapped, but I don't think there's anyone who doubt's that jet's capabilities today.
The difference between it and the F-22 is that the AF leadership literally sold the farm to pay for F-22s. Senior leadership openly admitted that programs such as VSP were specifically aimed at reducing the total force end strength to pay for the F-22.
Now, AF leadership is suffering the after affects. I'd like to think that someone in the DoD asked those same leaders why they paid millions to force shape pilots out of the USAF (to pay for F-22s), yet only a few years later they don't have enough pilots (recalls to active duty) and the F-22 is clearly underperforming.
Unfortunately, when they go asking Congress for more money for legitimate programs (KC-X, new SAR helicopter, light cargo aircraft, etc.), they lave absolutely ZERO credibility.
Just my 2 cents.