The F3 eventually became a capable ADV, mainly through the hard work put in by the F3 OEU, the Sqn's and to some extent the RAF Air Staff. However its poor reputation went before it and ultimately led to its early demise.
My opinion is that alternative US solutions (F15/18) foundered because the Treasury deemed that a US acquisition would ruin the UK military aviation industry.
PS Dave's book is very good.