We might have made a difference with the F4 (the Leuchars FG1s were still carrier-capable, the crews weren't). We thought getting airborne from a cat launch (assuming the USN lent us a flat-top...) would be OK but getting back aboard might be a bit more challenging. Having filled up with beer one happy hour, I informed the Stn Cdr that I had solved the problem. He was very interested until I explained that all we had to do was paint the piano keys at the front of the ship!