when did this happen? the F-22 was designed as an air-dominance fighter, not a multi-role fighter, when did the change in mission and designation come from? i didn't hear anything about it and then all of a sudden i started seeing it labeled as the F/A-22 instead of the F-22, did i miss something?

They did the same thing in Canada with the F16, this is all jargon for 'we have limited funds so we have to stretch them farther.' Also these projects often end up costing a lot more when done then at initial estimates thus making it difficult for the military to either justify more spending or justify less numbers of planes. Thus, load the sucker with everything but the kitchen sink and call it a mult-role whatever!