In the U.S., as well as the UK, the majority of visitors to museums are members if the general public. And the Spitfire is a far more famous aircraft than those you cite. The Spitfire is obviously a more famous name.

Totally agree with you – must be why there are so many Spitfires in the US.

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SNFU, despite your statements that you have nothing against the museum, you seem very keen to label it…and American enthusiasts as parochial.

I HONESTLY have nothing against Pima. If I have any problem with Pima at all it is because I keep have to reference it whilst making these posts, which drags that museum back into the discussion!
I do not have a problem with the Spitfire going to to a museum, although for the sake of discussion I would feel happier were it to go on display elsewhere in the world where a Spitfire has not been seen for a while (if at all) since the time they were in service. This is just my view.

Enthusiasts full stop are parochial – look at the popularity of the Spitfire on this (ok, mainly British) forum; another forum in another country would worship their own aeronautical demigod. But I suspect if you took a poll of casual airshow goers (in both Britain and US) and ask for their favourite aeroplane then the top three is going to be heavily weighted along national lines: it is not right or wrong – it is just their opinion.

I did have a tongue in – my – cheek thing about what other aeroplanes the RAFM might be offering out for loan, but that is my fault for posting when tired.