Yeah unfortunately though the F-4 doesnt have the stovl capability that they probably sought
What version are you talking about above all of them? do you have any actual figures?
Its low speed capability was supposed to be flippin excellent considering it has no afterburner - and its probably one of the few jets that could actually hide its heat sig in A-A to some degree - although i suspect you are talking about MANPAD exposure - is there evidence the heat sig is more than the A-10s for example?
Think we can conclude that the Harrier was a very difficult jet to fly - let alone landing it vertically on a ship - I suspect with fly by wire earlier in its career may have helped a few things - and I suspect the F-35B will be a lot safer from the get go - however something had to pioneer the way and respect to the brave blokes who have had the guts to fly it over the years.