Do the USAF miss the F-111?

Does anyone think that the reason why the USAF are thinking of a new medium/long range penetrator is because, they now have a capability shortfall after retiring the F-111? Granted they can still perform short-medium strike missions with the F/A-22 and F-35 but only the F-111 can penetrate air defences at high speed low level flight and deliver its ordinance on the mark
All an F-111 probably needed was a F-15 or F-16 fighter escort to protect it and perhaps help with targeting