Leon, one problem with the VC10 was perhaps that not all variants are Link16-enabled? So the chances of getting the right variant for a COMAO were perhaps limited - unless, of course, the organisers had mandated that Link16-enabled tankers were required as an essential part of the COMAO.
But, as our CSROs always used to remind us, the only way to survive is through knowledge, equipment and will. You can provide the best kit there is and know what it's cpapable of, but if you can't be ar$ed to use it, then what's the point? I saw this time and again when checking VC10K captains - those who couldn't be bothered to switch on the RWR, let alone run the BIT checks, would always be asked for an explanation during the debrief. I just hope that the same thing isn't true with Link16....