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Re: Natural metal Spitfires.
Yes, jet engines are quite different from the piston ones. It is clearly visible on performance charts. My point is that early jet engines did not offer good altitude performance. MiG-15 was the first Soviet jet to outperform Spitfire LF.IX at high altitude and allowed to phase the latter out.
Interceptions of Mosquitoes - I suppose it was a matter of initial climb and speed that allowed to intercept them, as I do not think Mossies were flying at extreme altitudes. Spitfire XIX should have been unreachable.
Finally, I agree on your comment on NM Spits. We do not know why they were stripped. I know why Tom Neill stripped his own but that is another story.
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