It wont have been ideal to go directly for a 100% local product and even then we would have required subsystems. The learning experience of JF17 however have changed that and we are already beginning to hear about it like how other projects may be pursued and how more local input will be sought. The only think that we missed on was getting involved with a JF17 like project earlier but then again, it is easy to say it all now when we have the whole picture in front of us.
Edit: And yes, don't worry friend, JF17 is here to stay. We are not ditching it and we will see gradual progress/improvements.