I think you are not too optimist. I agree in the point of weapons loadout and A-G, but in the fighter configuration (2xIRM, 1xSAHM, two supersonic drop tanks) it can face sucesfully any enemy i meet with them, from Fresco´s to Floggers, assuming that you have to fight your way, not theirs, but that´s
the way you must do with any aircraft you fly. It is more turnable than MiG-21s and F-104s, and armament, a BVR chance and 30mm is excellent
Another fighter we didn´t discuss here on the 60´s era is the F-5A. Despite lack of radar, survivability, weapons loadability and range, it is a perfect fighter against any other aircraft, in wich you have to fly in a style different from techno-phantoms and darts, (may chuck norris forgive this blasphemy) an aircraft in wich you fly as easy as if you were carrying a model with your hand.
We could say something like that about F-86F. If your usual nightmare is a close clash with a MiG-17, you can do the same with the Sabre, even in the 60s. Lacks performance and avionics, but about handling and turning rate... nothing comes close. It´s 50 cals lack range, but if cloes, these are still good for filling a target with lead. And if off range, it still carries a couple of sidewinders. I wouldn´t say it is outdated until the 70´s, and i guess (with not a huge brain effort) that other versions, with radar, afterburner and 20mm cannons are even better.