From what I understand US LCS project was designed to be able to...

From what I understand US LCS project was designed to be able to move quickly near shore on minimal crew. From what I gather 50 odd compared to frigates 300. The LCS was built for purpose which differed to that of let's say a destroyer. The article needlessly compares the payload of LCS and it.
in regards to the cost, most if the work on the ship's maintenance has been contracted out which increased the costs. As mentioned crew size of what they're comparing it to us huge.
if you read the article it states they are looking at moving maintenance more to in house by adding more crew. Also, the major mech issues which were noted in the article were in relation to Freedom Class, not Independence that Austal builds. The fact that US Navy is unsure on what missions to send the ships on, well that's on the Navy.
Nevertheless, Mobile steel hull yard expansion is well under way that has significant investment from the US.
No great concern.