As an ex-A2 and long-lapsed BSc(Aero Eng), the main point which springs to my mind is that with an aeroplane such as the F-35B which has significant thrust vectoring, variable wing borne and jet borne lift, classic Thrust / Lift / Weight / Drag relations aren't wholly relevant once it starts to get into RVL territory.
Amazingly clever and seamless transition from normal speeds to RVL speeds - all done by FM, I guess. (F*****g Magic!).
There's a really good article in the Feb 2020 edition of Aeroplane concerning the VAAC Harrier and it role in perfecting the control method for the F-35B. Written in language which even those who haven't had the benefit of the secret handshake and other CFS rituals might just understand! Also an article on the BAC 221 and another on the absurd SNECMA Coleoptere.