If you don't mind, going through this thread, this is what I observed.
I feel like you are arguing for point A, where as the others are arguing for point B. To you it seems those arguing for point B are against point A. and vice versa. I feel both parties are right in their arguments.
Your argument is that JF-17 can't substitute for Tier One aircrafts like, the latest F-16, Rafael, SU 30 etc.
Their argument is that JF-17 was meant as a substitute for F7, but it turned out much better than just that, and can put up a fight (albeit a losing one) against Indias top jets. Even Rafael if BLK III is considered.
If we combine the above points A+B, we can see the full picture. And both parties are correct in their assessment.
Conclusion:
JF-17 was meant as a substitute for Mirage, F-7 going into the 21st century. And it does all that very well, maybe even better than expected. Yes it is a light aircraft. Which for Pakistan (being a long and narrow country) isn't as big a issue as it would be for other countries. With block III coming, it is not something that can be thrown aside by our enemy. Yet at the same time, it is not and should not be considered as the lead aircraft in our line up. But it makes for a hell of a jet for supporting the leads. For Pakistan its lack of range is not as much a issue. The jet wasn't made for strike missions deep into India. Its role is defensive in nature, which it can do very well. As most area of operations near Indian border aren't that far from the airbases (due to Pakistan being long and narrow). So that leaves us with looking for a Tier one aircraft. That has deep strike capability and one that can manage its energy better.
Closing thoughts:
If you look at the JF-17 objectively, it might not seem all that great, especially when compared to F-16, F-18 and the likes. But when you look at it from the lens of Pakistan, the difference between F-16 and JF-17 in performance is very well balanced out by the geography of the nation, as well as the economics and logistics of having our own jet. And PAF has prepared a very comprehensive network of air defence and electronic warfare systems, as well as tactics hand crafted for our main enemy.