The latest results of analysis and modelling of high current and highly shaped plasma operation at JET are presented in order to explain the approach towards an integrated solution for the ITER baseline scenario. A strong link is found between edge localized mode (ELM) size, pedestal height and plasma performance, suggesting high performance must come at the expense of large ELM heat loads. However, promising results at the highest plasma shapes show that this link can be broken, with other mechanisms coming into play that appear to dissipate heat between ELMs, or extract the ELM heat loads more benignly. It is speculated that this is related to changes in the underlying stability of the ELM associated with highly shaped plasma operation. The way forward, in terms of the future programme and exploitation of upgrades to the JET device, is discussed.