What writers and commentators always ignore is the "role" any fighter jet would be deployed. The deployment as a "strike fighter" or an "interceptor" has a major bearing on how a jet performs. Add to this: pilot skills, jamming capabilities and support from other aircrafts.
JF-17 will never be a deep strike fighter (excluding Block-III for the moment)......Rafael primarily will be one.
An interceptor, defensive role of JF-17 takes out lot of issues about Jeff out of the equation.
We are yet to see where Block III stands.
Rafael, in its role, has to counter many many threats. The hype that has been created about it means, even if one jet goes down the whole IAF will be deflated (just like SU-30MKI)