R-77 Usefulness?

And in the MiG-29S I'll always take two R-73s and two R-77s, as well as the centerline 1,400 liter drop tank. I'll add onto that either two R-77s, two R-27ERs, two R-27ETs, or one ER and one ET.

Speaking as an Eagle-turned-Hornet driver, I would say the R77 poses the biggest threat in the last ~10km before the merge. Against an ER equipped opponent, AMRAAM gives me the advantage of being able to immediately turn cold or duck behind terrain after I shoot (unlike the ER shooter who has to support their missile to impact). Shoot an ET or R73 at me in that scenario and I can beat it with flares but use an active missile and things get more difficult.

In an ideal world you'd take 2 x R73, 2 x ET, 2 x 77 and 4 x ER but the J11's rails don't allow it. Tough deciding what other missile(s) to sacrifice to make room for the Adder (especially in the Fulcrum)...