When you said 'if the force of ejection didn't kill them first', Martin Baker, who make all the RAF seats, claim that no-one has ever been killed by one of their seats if used within parameters. As for more modern seats being more user-friendly, I believe that they are - example being the Typhoon's Mk16 seat which has a much more progressive acceleration than previous seats.
LuckyBreak, ironic handle, considering the question, huh? Okay. I tend to get a bit over-dramatic, re: "the force of the ejection didn't kill them first." I am happy to hear that no ES has actually killed a pilot. "Progressive acceleration" - now, I like that term. Thanks for your reply.
Timelord, I enjoyed your informative professional reply; thank-you so much. And yes, McCain flew the A4 Skyhawk, not the F4. Loved your reasoning about the "alternative."
Always a Sapper, that is an invaluable link - thanks!