The F-14 was designed
for the Phoenix. The engineers designed the missile, first, then the plane to carry and illuminate for it.
The F-18 was designed for all kinds of missions. F-14's cannot laser designate *any* targets. It cannot carry a laser pod. The A/B/C/D's couldn't designate their own targets; the E/F can. The E's and F's were designed to replace the outgoing F-14, as well as the KC-6. Fighters with phased arrays have absolutely no business in the world, today. Slewed radars, yes. But
not phased. The EA-6B and the EC-2 are the next problem aircraft, and both are necessary to functioning of a carrier airwing.
And, fixed links!
http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-history-f14x.htm
http://www.vectorsite.net/avhorn2.html