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Strictly speaking, the F-14 wasn't designed as a "Fighter" either. It was designed as a fleet defense interceptor, a missile truck if you will, albeit with some (quite a good a bit of course) of "fighter" capability. And of course, like many a fighter/interceptor before it, ended it's life as a bomber/attack aircraft.

My F-111 pilot and bomb-nav buddies tell me that the late model -111s were pretty much a match for the -14A, in the merge. Of course the -14 could shoot them in the face from BVR, but if the ROEs didn't allow that, and were restricted to guns and sidewinders, well .... Or so they said. (Auto wing sweep telegraphed maneuvers, or so the pilot/Major said. )

Asbestos underwear on.

No, no, no.

In fact, you are so wrong, I have to wonder if your friends were talking about the F-4, not the F-14.

The F-14 would never have existed, were it not for the deficiencies of the F-111. An F-14 can perform a 360 degree turn before an F-111 can get 270. I mean, there is no contest. At sea level to FL15, an F-14B can defeat an F-15 with ease, and give an F-16 a very good fight.

The Tomcat WAS designed as a fighter, which is why it had those massive stabs for air deflection along with other design features. The Tomcat was never meant to have those TF-30 engines either. When the Tomcat got the right engine, it started kicking ass like you would not believe.