Glaar: What is more ominous is that the F-35B, like the Yak-38, has an automatic mode to clear the pilot without any chance to 'assume the position' because if the SDLF goes pair shaped there will not be time to save the biologic stick shaker, if dependent upon 'quick as a cat' fighter pilot reflexes.
A "surprise" automatic ejection is better than the alternative of riding it in, or waiting too long to pull the handle. I recall the automatic seat in the Yak-38 saved more than one life. The loss of a lift jet or a 60 degree roll in V/STOL mode indicates things have gone south real quick and miliseconds matter. I would imagine a lift fan loss for F-35B in V/STOL mode it would be equally imperative to get out.
This site indicates 18 automatic out of 31 ejections for the Yak.
Civilian test pilot