LIGHTNING V F4
NIPVA,
Of course the F4 was the better BVR machine and a very potent multi-role fighter. The Lightning missiles were IR only hence the term Red Flop and Firewood.
Of the F4s, I much preferred the F4K, which I flew on 43 Sqn, better than the FGR2 for manoeuvrability.
As to WVR work, as you stated, the F4 was only useful below 10K and at very light weight, so was the Harrier! The Lightning performed very well at all levels until it ran out of fuel. The F4 and Harrier could not compete with the Lightning at higher levels.
I loved the F15 and even the Tornado F3! But all this is history now. They were horses for different courses.