Silverstrata,
The Harrier had its' own complexities and design limitations. Perhaps the additional lift fan is an attempt to get around these limitations. All aircraft development programmes suffer problems. These are resolved.
I don't see a design fault with the fan door as being a major problem. Most aircraft undergo inlet design changes. As for being unable to catch a cable, that is a current problem that will be resolved also.
Having written the above, I have never been a supporter of over complex kit. Adding things just means there is something else to go wrong. Complex things go wrong more often.
Personally I can't see why they didn't take the basic Harrier principle further by producing a supersonic airframe. Wouldn't look the same but there is an awful lot of technology in the Harrier to provide a base line to start from.