*nodnod*
I think at some point we just have to realize that the VF-0 and VF-1 have absolutely nothing to do with each other save the transformation system and the fact that they were built simultaneously. Think of the VF-1 as the YF plane meant for eventual production and the VF-0 as the X plane to test cutting edge technology. More than likely UN Spacy had originally intended to deploy the VF-1's to combat the SV-51 but the airframe was far to small to accomodate the larger conventional engines and those went with the experimental and untested VF-0 beacuse its larger airframe was more readily able to support the engines.
Even if the VF-0 does end up more technologically advanced, I can think of a few reasons why a VF-1 could still be just as powerful if not more powerful. First of all, the VF-0 was, up until this point, largely untested while the VF-1 had gone through rigorous testings down in South Ataria. The compendium lists the controls of the VF-0 as more delicate than the VF-1 and perhaps maybe making it a more unstable plane, a la the YF-19. And if you remember what happened in Macross Plus, Yang mentioned that the YF-19 had already sent a number of test pilots to their graves. Thirdly, the VF-1 is smaller and presents a smaller target. While the VF-0 seems to be a lot more nimble than the VF-1 ever did, remember what Max could do with the VF-1 and know that the full potential of any variable fighter lies within the pilot. And while the VF-0 and SV-51's seem to have active stealth, the pilots have a penchant for having a really IN-YOUR-FACE flying style that really makes radar a non-issue.