Very interesting project, I will be withholding judgement until I see something of substance, such as actual flight models beginning to take shape, cockpit avionics at least partially working. As someone who has toyed with the idea of making an aircraft in the DCS world platform, I know just how much time, dedication, and determination, as well as information sharing and networking which is involved to achieve even basic functionality. I think it might be a little presumptuous to state with any certainty when the module might be released, and to assert that it will be playable within a year is extremely optimistic. Look at some of the other DCS third party modules which are currently in development. Although we have seen little from them of late in the way of progress, its obvious to see just how easily a certain feature can bring the entire production to a halt. They (third party devs) are learning as they go, in a way without much help or assistance, and not always with all the knowledge of how to implement what it is they wish to. The reason we saw DCS Huey so early, I believe, is because as a DCS project, its scope was achievable within the limits of what is known about third party development currently. It's functionality is fairly basic, although impressive to see it all working as a unified module. But the scope of an f-35 dcs module with even a medium level of depth in systems and functionality would be rather daunting. That is why I am taking a step back before judging this, as I don't doubt it can be done, but as to what will emerge from such an endeavour is anyone's guess.
Best of luck to eagle and I look forward to seeing something of the project.