PN
If you think 12(B) didn't fit the 'fighter' image, how do you reconcile II(AC) fitting that image? Army Cooperation, for much of its existence in a reconnaissance role (for the Tornado iteration remember that even the cannons were replaced by the SLIR/ILRS associated equipment).
Just maybe possible that a former II(AC) flt cdr, now 3*, might have had a little influence...
Mister B