Yes Harriers was the first actual VTOL but it is hopelessly outclassed by todays standards. Imagine a modern stealth(somewhat) fighter with ability to land just about anywhere has the edge in today's world. A helicopter, just faster, more lethal and undetectable. Payload and range will be affected because the space an extra turbine will require effecting fuel carriage and payload obviously. These can land on helicopter carriers and/or aircraft. Marines do not require the approval of US congress to carry out operations, only the President's.
F22 dropped in numbers since threat perception went down aswell. No need to field huge numbers of extremely expensive machinery when no threat is able to counter your non stealth planes. Stealth bombers, stealth fighters are more than enough in numbers in current format. With the new F-35 the enemy will only realize when they could do so little against it.
Delayed i am not sure, costly yes. But such a program of this scale which is intended to replace a lot of fighters in the US will be expensive.