Not suprising, considering the f16 was designed as a pure dogfighter inspired by the Boyd Cycle. The f-35 is a jack of all trades.
Pitch rate could be as simple as software/control limits. Be wary of news like this, nothing our commie in chief would like to do more is flush $1t of defense spending. It might also be screwing with China.
Does Insufficient pitch rate Equate energy disadvantage? It possible, but it sounds like the author is mixing statements. Energy disadvantage could refer to the initial war game constraints, aka velocity and altitude. Pitch rate will actually bleed off energy faster...not sure this makes sense.
Besides, the 35 has vectored thrust...was it deactivated for the test?? Pitch rate in subsonic flight shouldnt be a suprise.
Also, the f35 carries far more fuel...like twice.