XV277,
Macs' big mistake was that they didn't think the customer was serious about not wanting a separate lift engine. It wasn't altogether logical given the fact that the overall complexity and number of flight-critical bits and pieces was certainly comparable to the LockMart solution, but the customer meant it.
Also, the Boeing design was different and risky, and offered a cheaper and simpler aircraft if it worked. LMT seemed low risk, in part because of its cousin relationship to the F-22.
Caspian,
Rafale is a very attractive jet for a small carrier, but my assessment is that you'd either have to buy into the French program (and help to fund an F4 program with some UK content) or start spending lots of money to Anglicize it. Your best bet would be to learn to love its quirks (like a Citroen 2CV or DS) including its magic jamming system and the What The Butler Saw machine in front of the pilot's nose.