Steve, the posts above are more than representative of GT ownership. You have to remember that Clarkson (who I like) is profoundly pampered by the motoring industry. His days are spent answering calls from Aston Martin saying 'what can we do for you today Mr Clarkson'. As a result he is impatient, unrealistic and unrepresentative of any owner of any car. And that's a fact!
The bits that failed on his GT were not Ford bits but aftermarket electronic bits - as previously posted here.
The GT is a beautiful and reliable rocket.
As for a decent tight track car? I'd say no. I track mine regularly and am doing so again next week. It's got the grunt to make it fun - but in the hands of two experts (I wouldn't grade myself as one) your Elise would probably win - maybe. In the hands of ordinary amateurs (yup, that'd be me), the Elise would DEFINITELY win! The Elise is nimble and pointable, the GT is a big car to hustle.
I did a side by side track day not so long ago with a 1973 911 lightweight and the GT - the 911 was more rewarding.
However I enjoy tracking the GT as it eats lesser cars on the straights.
Having re-read my post, I think it's probably the case that if I were a better track driver and was able to drift (the back end of the GT does like to come out to play) the car - I'd rate it more highly on the track.
Jason's THE driver on this forum. I'd be interested in his view......