Brian
Dear Sir- Hyperbole and flight test are joined at the Hip. My comments paraphrase the Fly off results accurately. My understanding of the knock on the F-18 had to do with its resemblance to prior A/C (F-5) and the F-16's superiority in agility and response.
The strakes themselves create higher lift by planting their vortex on the wing root, preventing earlier Stall, especially at high AoA.They improve longitudinal stability by supporting the Forebody (nose) and prevent it from wallowing, again at high angles of attack. I haven't found your direct linkage re: strake to VS.
This is from memory, like I said before, I don't use Wiki, and if I am confident, I'll write it. I think those who run to "the book" insult the respect of their counterpart, as well as their own. I stand to be corrected at all times, and welcome wholeheartedly new information that improves my knowledge. Both A/C make my Heart go thump, they are both wicked cool, this isn't about whose mates fly what.