Bob
You have noticed the same thing I have, seems like the F-15 is a pretty good deal. To jump up to a 1/6 scale F-16 you are almost triple the price. I think the extreme jets F15 with a p120 and the speed brake seems the way to go unless you guys think a FEJ,FB, or JL is a better option. Keep it light and just add the burner rings and a descent pilot bust ( cant stand empty cockpits on scale planes). If all goes well the next one could be the "hair teeth and eyeballs" F15E from an Avonds kit. Any chance you can pick something like this up at KY jets to save yourself the shipping cost or I wouldn't be adverse to a used air frame that I can bring back to life. I apologize in advance for the bravado but many moons ago I would absolutely LOVE to low approach in the T-38 light the blowers, level the nose, gain a bunch of smash then rip it into the pattern just as you were doing with your F-15, an absolute blast. That is what I would like to do with the F15 . Pattern work as you described and occasional missed, approach ( initially probably many) suck up the gear and transition to vertical. Better stay away from these vendors websites for a few hours this is addicting.

Matt