The so called "heavy fighter" like the SU-27/30 has only one advantage; they are heavy because of high internal fuel volume, that leads to fairly long combat range or can be translated to longer loiter time than either the Rafale or the F-16.
But it cannot be considered in isolation. Small numbers and poor/low availability means that advantage is nullified to a large extent. I would rather have more advanced fighters in higher numbers/availability and forward deployed to key areas than small number of fighers with limited availability but can cover longer ranges.
But it cannot be considered in isolation. Small numbers and poor/low availability means that advantage is nullified to a large extent. I would rather have more advanced fighters in higher numbers/availability and forward deployed to key areas than small number of fighers with limited availability but can cover longer ranges.