Glad,
At the risk of pulling at an open sore, I was under the impression that 'F' stood for 'fighter'.
I lost count of how many light blue wearers told me that the Tornado F3 was handicapped by the compromises required for the low level role. About as many light blue wearers that told me the GR was handicapped by the compromises required for the high level role.
My opinion here, the original design idea seemed to be that adopting a swing wing design would allow the two very different sets of requirements to be met. (not too different, albeit on a smaller aircraft, than the F-111A/B idea).
Again my view, but the structural and layout penalties that came with swing wings (before the days of full authority fly by wire) handicapped both the F and the GR to a significant extent.
But, let me add again, commenting on the suitability of a design takes absolutely nothing away from the people who flew, and fought so bravely, in them. And this who still do it to this day. Respect.
Best regards as all those who do it for real,
Engines