Im not saying the Bis is wonderful.
Im saying is DIFFERENT, from Vietnam War versions.
Vietnam 21's had less engine thrust but also talking in general, were lighter, nimble, more handly than the Bis. the older the version, the lighter more nimble were.
The Bis was a great update with a very powerful engine, faster and
better T/W ratio but at an overall cost of beeing heavier and not so nimble.
Also the previous Phantom versions to the E were absolutely turning bricks so even a Mig-21 inside a Phantom pilots mind should seem like Ali punching Foreman all around.
But the real champions of turning fights were the Mig-17.