I always thought the poor turn rate and stall characteristics would count against it in combat, if the opponent had time to react
An old mate who flew Javelins told me they used to have fun in RAFG with 104s. High level (relatively) they would wait for the intercepting 104 to get close, and then turn hard. Much giggles as they watched the 104 try to follow and then ... depart! I doubt the 104 was designed to be a close-in dogfighter - just a high-speed mx transporter!
As Bader claimed, you can’t lose with a big wing. 😉