Jonny ware - I think with a name like laser firing it's not too likely that he is an F3 guy so chill! (or maybe it's a double bluff??)
I agree with you about the badge though. Why do they do that? I've even noticed F3 EWIs are starting to wear a similar but green badge. Weird.
On the QWI/QFI debate, I think more consideration should be given to the middle of the road QTI thing (yes it is an official Q now). As Poison Arrow pointed out - some
strange stuff has happened at Valley making all QTIs into QFIs or something (any QTIs at Valley feel free to give us the full gen).
Looking further ahead - they are looking at having no QFIs at all for Eurofighter, although I don't think they'll get away with going that far, their numbers will be limited. Also QWIs will almost certainly just be the weapons specialists (what a strange idea!) rather than the "I know everything, can do everything and never make a mistake" types that they are at the moment.
If you are looking at a QWI course for your type but want to end up on Eurofighter, ensure that there will be a glut of QWIs for your type or it will make it very difficult for you to get away with all your handy skills. Additionally , if you are a bomber type, then you're skills will not be required on Eurofighter for quite some time yet.
If it's a Eurofighter OCU job that you're looking for then they are just looking for an instructional qualification (any) for the majority of staff. If it's a front line (airshows/exercises only) job then you're best chance is to become an abo!
I was in your situation a few years ago and the thought of Valley (and even going back to the hawk) put me right off any thoughts of QFI - I believe Linton slots (aargh - tucano) are also hard to come by for FJ guys ((but not impossible).
As a final thought maybe it would be appropriate to spare a thought for the pilot poster, such a thoroughly nice, down to earth and ever helpful chap that he is.