Even if the GR4 were to retire next year, it must surely have seen more active service than any other RAF fast jet, and set a mark that will be hard to match. Next year is its 30th anniversary, and it will have been deployed on combat ops for 22 of those 30 years (and, of course, the other 8 years saw it holding strike QRA during the Cold War).
When the decision was made to send Tornado to HERRICK there was much over-dramatic grumbling that "troops will die as a result" and "Tornado can't do CAS". Hopefully those responsible have now swallowed their pride and will have the courage to admit they were wrong?
I think the key difference between the Tornado GR force, and other RAF fast-jet fleets past and present, is that the Tornado force has never believed any of its own hype (such as it ever was). It always turned up, adapted where necessary, and did the job. In doing so, it has not gained the recognition it deserves, which might be why the original poster considers that the aircraft has had a hard time. In my opinion, Tornados (of any persuasion) have never been favourites of the specialist press, which for some reason always seemed to have a love affair with the Jag. Other aircraft may have gained more public recognition, but SDSR would appear to show that the decision-makers appreciate the achievements and capabilities of the good old Tonker. Long may she continue - perhaps with pilots in both seats if WSO training really has closed once and for all!