Interesting point, maybe the ruskies can also explain why they didn't induct SU-30's up till 2011/12 while the aircraft was introduced in the 90's ... or maybe you can apply the same scale to the IAF ... but that would mean accepting that "LCA is crap" ... because to this day ... it isn't able to replace the Mig-21's which, most refer to as the flying coffin .. Ofcourse, I am not of that belief system, hence the quotation marks for sarcasm ...
The fact that PAF is replacing nearly 3 types of aircrafts i.e A-5 (completely replaced), F-7P/PG and the Mirages should serve as a good indication of the claims made regarding cost effectiveness and the platform in general ... if it doesn't ... good for us ... just because you choose to close your eyes like a pigeon ... doesn't mean the cat isn't there ...
Regarding PLAAF though ... Do you have any idea of the transformation PLAAF is planning ?? We've been hearing 8 years about MMRCA, and to this day we only keep hearing future dates as to when the deal is to be finalized ... while PLAAF and PLAN are producing /testing and inducting MMRCA contenders level air crafts in J-11's/J-15/J-10's etc. Will they choose a mix of J-10/JFT's or upgrade their current lower tier aircrafts remains to be seen .. Whatever the case maybe, the "choice" of an aircraft usually only shows how that jet is suitable to that customer's needs and how it fits its military doctrine ...