I did not mean to upset anyone. Writing in a bit of a hurry.
The mishap rate on Harriers is known, and I believe has remained high for its largest user.
Not that it is a bad design, but it was designed for its era and a mission. Hence lots of work on VAAC to automate the powered-lift mode.
As for air-to-air, most Harriers have not been very good at it. (Again, design/mission trades). The FA2 had a remarkably good weapon system, but still does not match contemporaries in speed and agility.
By STOVL Gripen, I meant that payload and range for the STOVL did not have to be outstanding - but that simplicity would have been desirable.