Melchett
Why do you think that none of these things have been done? FCBA/FJCA (UK interest and involvement in F-35 started at pretty much the same time as time as CVF. Both QEC and the F-35B have been developed concurrently. If the Harrier had not got the axe in 2010, and maybe the Sea Harrier had not been axed in 2002, then maybe we would not have had the STOVL - CTOL - STOVL debacle. If Harrier was on service it would be going on HMS Queen Elizabeth's deck, but I imagine the usual suspects would complain about an old jet with a new carrier...
I thought it had been proved both carriers will be manned at the same time. The RN has the ships and personnel for task group operations - which in future will be carrier centred. Incidentally RN frigates and destroyers have experience of riding shotgun for US or French carriers and are fully capable of it.
I would not pay too much attention to Mrs Moon - "carriers without aircraft" indeed.