Sancho,
All your points are valid regarding FGFA.
My only dobut is on the $$$ figure of the aircraft. I know thats what Sukhoi has stated the aircraft will cost. But considering how the cost of F-35 has escalated and how the topline 4.5 Gen aircrafts cost (Euro Fighter and Rafale and now even the new MKI) my hunch is that the $100 M figure is going to hit anything between $150-$200 M. Unless Sukhoi has some kind of magic wand in their hand
True, I also don't give too much on Russian promises on costs, or timeframes, I think we have enough experience with them, to be a bit more careful in this regard. However, even if the costs per unit would be equal to F35, it is undeniably that the partnership is a real one and we get a lot in return unlike the F35 partners. So from this point of view, it was more then the right step, I only wished that they had fixed the deal a bit faster, but on the other hand, I'm sure that there were a lot of negotiations with the Russians as well and we all know that everything goes a bit slower in India, even time.
Personally I think FGFA has everything what it needs, to be an excellent 5. gen fighter, but we should try to make it even better and not just take what the Russians will have as well. For example we have to re-design it, to be a twin seat fighter, so if it's possible, a single piece canopy would be a better choice and could add to stealth some more, instead of the Russian design. The Russian cockpit design in general will probably not as futuristic as western counterparts and if we can do a better one, with Indian, or foreign parts, we should do it.
I think that will be the biggest difference in this deal, compared to MKI deal. MKI had some customisations, or modicfications for Indian needs, but mainly they were based on Russian developments (canards, TVC, BARS PESA) and the base fighter remained Russian as well. In FGFA instead, can not only choose between some modfications, but are involved in the real design as well. Of course not in the main airframe, or wing design, but minor parts like canopy, or cockpit layout, can look completelly different to Pak Fa and can be based this time on Indian developments. Small steps, but in the right directions!
