Originally Posted by Engines
In that respect, they were the ONLY aircraft 'suited to the job'.
So you write your own job spec and then fill it.
Your original post did not try to limit it to the "best carrier-borne aircraft suited to the job" you said best aircraft suited to the job. It clearly wasn't.
Please don't label me as a Harrier basher, I've always thought it an outstanding jet, but this constant over-selling that the carrier/Harrier is the panacea for all (despite what you may think, that is exactly what you all do on this and other threads) is not only tiresome but factually incorrect. It had a niche capability, and in that niche, was truly excellent. Outside the niche, it was just another jet.
I'm also not sure how many F-18 guys would agree with all your assertions regarding carrier-borne air power.