There is nothing "cheap" about the T-14 Armata.
I think you misread. I said the "cheap" option was pre-Armata designs. The T-14, I said, is too expensive for Russia (even though it's still half the price of NATO tanks due to factors you mentioned.)
Case in point:
But I would not say they cannot afford it.
Well, the Russians disagree with you, so you can try and convince them:
"Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Yuri Borisov told reporters that the Russian army does not seek to massively purchase "Armata" because of its high cost."
Well the M1A2SEPv3 is 66.8 tons
And again, the T-90 is 46 tons.... That's what I consider to be "much lighter". Not the Armata.
Pakistan has little geographical defensive depth it can use so heavy tanks are a necessity I agree.
I can certainly understand China not making a Type 99 replacement a priority. But given the amount of spending they have available today and all other low hanging fruit seems to have been worked on already I think it is a matter of time. I think it is clear with the Type 15 entering service, the new uniforms, and the new rifles, that the PLA is now getting cash dumped into it after over a decade of really low funding levels. I suspect China is probably waiting on tank developments elsewhere before deciding which project they will push. The T-14 is still not in mass production and the next generation US tank project is still unknown. I would not be surprised if they bought some T-14 Armata tanks. To be honest I don't know what China will do. If they will go with a more conservative design as they did with the Type 15 or make a technological leap. They might even do both. You have not only the Type 99 but also the Type 96 to consider replacing.
Agreed with all of the above.