There's a deal of misinformation here - take it from one who has done it - VIDs in the F3 are OK well above FL330. If you want to fly in close formation with the target, that is a different ball game.
Cannot comment on the report of the Nimrod intercept - would need a lot more information. However, I cannot envisage any performance problem that would preclude an intercept on this target and a VID. Weather might be a factor - one normally needs to see the target to get a positive ident.