The loose fasteners may not be part of the fuel system.
That would seem to make it more of a concern since the fuel came from 'somewhere'.
I understand what you're saying JW, people jump out of tried and true aircraft all the time, even the trusty and proven Viper, for various system problems.
The sense is that you've got a lot of people 'walking on eggshells' down there and the overriding priority in the background is to not lose one, not because that's bad, but 'cause of the ripple down effects on careers.
The jets are at the training squadron, not Edwards, and you've got one pilot, a test pilot, allowed to fly them?
I would pretty much bet that these things will eventually be as commonly seen as F-100's were in the '60s, but this is like watching paint dry. The thing's got an ejection seat.
(edit: BTW I know it's expensive paint.)