Well, I agree but AWACS can also be useful without a datalink, just by using voice comms. I think AWACS started out like that, just voice, but correct me if I'm wrong about that.
I would be interested to know if current A-10s do have the same datalink as the USAF/USN.
Btw, I'm playing The Enemy Within campaign right now and I do see the F-16s on my TAD, so that at least is working (I'm playing with the A-10C II).