I had explained in another thread why the concept of LCA becoming outdated won't stand up to scrutiny. You can read it in the link below.
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/a-tw...-blind-patriotism.543901/page-2#post-10246284
Hence--
The LCA's design is specific to roles and functions that other aircraft do not have a particular advantage in. As long as we operate aircraft like MKI and Jaguar, LCA will be relevant to the IAF. The LCA will only be as outdated as equivalent enemy aircraft. So if PAF has to make the LCA outdated, then JF-17s should be withdrawn from service and replaced with 5th gen aircraft before LCA squadrons make their way into the equation.
The argument that seven jets are not enough is pretty weak since it no longer applies. There was uncertainty a few years ago, but now that the LCA Mk1's performance envelope has been opened up, which was the biggest hurdle, it is only a matter of time for more numbers to come in. HAL has been authorised to set up a third production line and bring the numbers up to 19/year. So in no time, you will see the IAF operating a lot of LCA squadrons.
Also, you are wrong about HAL destroying the LCA. They in fact saved the LCA program. IAF is supposed to wait for the Mk2 unicorn until 2027, that's too late. The first Mk2 is planned to be inducted well after JF-17's production run for the PAF will have ended. But with the improved Mk1A, HAL managed to bring the aircraft back to spec, better than what the IAF originally wanted, and they saved a decade in procurement time. Because of HAL, you will see the IAF inducting LCA Mk1As alongside the JF-17 Block 3.
The LCA Mk1A was not rammed down the IAF's throats. This is a very poor excuse that Tejas critics come up with. Being a critic myself, I have never used this argument. Everything that is to be purchased has to clear extremely tough trials which is vetted by multiple govt agencies before procurement clearance is provided. LCA was treated worse than the MMRCA candidates in that respect.
If the LCA was indeed rammed down the IAF's throat, then why did the same technique not work with IN? They outright rejected all Mk1 models without batting an eye. ADA has gone back to the drawing board for the IN's version without any guarantees of it being procured. The entire aircraft for the navy is to be redesigned.