1. Why do you think the Spitfire has taken such deep root in the public conciousness, to the exclusion of almost every other contemporary aircraft?
firstly, because it is the most beutiful aeroplane ever built. Secondly, because it is associated with winning the Battle of Britain, a time when only the fighters of the RAF stood between freedom and invasion by Hitler. Actually, it's the Hurricane that really deserves the BoB plaudits - but the Spit is sexier and has a sexier name and such things often prevail above truth.
2. Does the Spitfire deserve the public reputation it has acquired?
For the reasons stated above, no. But for being such a beutiful and (I'm told) superb flying machine - yes!
3. Has the reputation of any contemporary machine being reduced because of the public's all-encompassing hero-worship of the Spitfire?
See my answer to (1) re the Hurricane. Other than that, no.
SSD