Yes they are important, but that was not the main thesis - the discussion was about the altered relationship between lift coefficient and AOA in low aspect / high wing loading aircraft as opposed to higher aspect ratio airfoils. This leads to major changes in behavior, particularly at lower speed regimes (e.g. on approach).
This effect is largely independent of power available (of which the F16 has a great deal), and spool-up time. The powerplant factors are also independently discussed IIRC in that text.