The Lightning was designed and built for purpose – point defence in a nuclear war.
Quick reaction, rapid climb, fast, all weather, autonomous operation if required, ECM tollerant radar ~ era, missiles with a high kill rate.
Its long service life indicated some success in adaptation, limited more by politics than the willingness to develop it.
A photo which I took earlier:- Firestreak vs Jindivik FL480
Not Frightening – Fantastic !