When you talk about a fighter jet's performace you talk about complete package and not just aerodynamics because an aicraft with good aerodynamics is of no good if it doesnt have good avionics and weapons package... so everything was in that context
Regarding Saab gripen, no it wasn't because of Indian mmrca... if you monitor the course of it. It was early 2000s when it was evaluated by paf but then since USA lifted embargo we went for f16s as we were already operating them besides if you read or watch the interview of ACM tanveer he clearly stated that we can't handle such complex technology o Saab gripen at this point in time, now why he said that is another debate.
as per your post regarding Russians offering of a customized engine variant for j-10 exactly supports my point. If russia can offer this now why wouldnt have they in 2006 or so had paf showed intent, just a little push was required from China and Russia would have given it to China...
Since it was offered in 2006 and now it's 2015 we already have wasted 9 years and haven't yet finalized a thing because j-10 has never been our priority.. had it been paf would have reacted in a much more prompt way. even if there was something for j-10 offering of j31 now will make it disappear too.
Never denied that, did I? Being tested and been matured are two different things and like it has been said paf is quite satisfied with Russian engines so they won't be switching to Chinese engines.. mostly it would be for China's own use or for export to other countries in case prospects have any issues with Russian engines