Better to buy dozens of poorer Fs but upgraded, than 5 F-35s. Or 10-15, whatever. Because like you said, F-35 has some issues we hardly know yet.
Greece unfortunately right now may not even afford some Patriots. It would have been a wiser investment but a bigger one. Romania preferred to invest buy upgraded older aircrafts but to acquire missiles. I do believe the buys of Romania and Poland (Patriots) are wise investments and America/NATO had the last word. Spain and Germany also have Patriot air missiles, and no F-35s at all.
LoL no old Fs are not better.
Even a dozen stealths change the strategy for the region. F35 threaten Turkish fighters navy and Sam's in ways the old Fs simply can't. Turkey can't track them and safely carry out their fuck with Greece missions. You just never know when a stealth will pop up on your ass with no warning.