It was hands down the most difficult position I've ever been in, in a scenario environment. Our F5s had neither the benefit of speed (all but the 410s were faster than we are), nor did we have the ability to hide in many miles of empty sky. A bunch of times I was parked behind Luftwaffe pilots 400 yards out, doing nothing but swearing to myself due to the lack of guns.
I was a bit disappointed to be ridiculed by some of the Luftwaffe for performing that unique role, but I would gladly perform the same role again if asked.