I flew the F-15 almost almost solely for a long while, but then I decided I wanted to really figure out the Flanker. So, for a few weeks the Flanker became my main fighter. At first, it was painful. I was so used to the comfort, the luxury even, of ARH missiles. I do usually take AIM-7's on my F-15, so it could have been worse. That being said, they were more or less reserved for very specific situations, so having SARH missiles as my primary BVR tool was a difficult challenge to overcome. Slowly but surely, I improved. From going out and getting nothing, to going and getting something, but being shot down in the process, and finally reaching the point where I could fly out, make a a kill or two, and make it back. Basically the same process we all follow in learning an aircraft. Throughout that process, the lack of ARH missiles became less of a burden. Of course, ARH is more versatile, but throughout my experience I learned that SARH missiles are certainly not to be underestimated. The point of what I'm trying to say is, there's more to BVR combat than who has the ARH missile. It is very possible to use SARH and win, it just takes persistence and practice! Not having R-77's was the end of the world over the first few days of flying the Flanker, but that was soon fixed with practice and experience. Ok, so your options are a little more limited with SARH, but you still have options! And as long as you have options, you have the capability to win.
Oh and don't forget about your R-27ET's ;)
Cutlass.