One part where I think the A-10C really shines, is in its HOTAS/system control design. Its so intuitive and clever once you know it, and you never (or rarely) take your hands off in combat. F-18 and Harrier dont shine in this way, they are much more DDI/MFD heavy, and you have to be hands of a lot more.
So, where does the 16 slot in this aspect? As clever as the A-10C, or more like the McDonnell guys?