Relying on JTIDs as a source for PID is laughable, if you can rely on that why not stick with GCI declaring targets. The point is that modern AD assets should be able to self PID BVR, not rely on other assets to do it for them.
NCTR + Mode 4 has to be the way forward rather than relying on the lack of friendly IFF or the labelling of JTIDs tracks from AWACS.
This statement is flawed in its assumptions about the JTIDS system. Platforms equipped with JTIDS automatically transmit their own position and identification to all other JTIDS equipped users within line of site as well as any tracks their sensor owns. This is not just true of AWACS and any aircraft or other platform fitted with a JTIDS terminal has this capability.
This is an extremely valuable capability, however it is entirely correct to point out that it is no replacement for Mode 4, particularly because it is more likely to be fallible as the result of operator error. Nonetheless, if Mode 4 breaks and you are pushing out a JTIDS position and identification message/track, you would be far safer than if not. Everything that flies or floats at the least should have this capability.