I think that in any conflict, the raptors impact will be felt in the first few hours....I see the raptor as a “door opener” in a conflict, getting in and dealing with radar, gun and missile emplacements, initial fighter engagements, etc. after the first few hours, air superiority can then be maintained with the f-35, f-16, f-18, and so on....so having to maintain the birds after the initial missions can be done safely...in it’s role as a “door opener” it is well suited....
Especially when you eliminate a numerically superior force of Flankers, which are the best Eastern fighters around.