The HEP is smaller, lighter and likely remains a better fighter. The Super Hornets are more designed for increased ground strike capability, not an upgrade to fighter capability.
Another potential aircraft, mostly to fill up Tier II Canadian Attacker line is the A-20/Boston family of aircraft. I know that the RAAF also used them as well but the Australian Attacker line already have sufficient aircraft at Tier II
RAAF A-20C.
