When they invent the unsinkable aircraft carrier is the time to invest in these outdated methods of waging limited war:
The logistic trail with its vulnerabilities are well documented.
The lose of one of these beasts to an asymmetric threat:
USS Cole – Boat full of chaps with a few pounds of explosives
HMS Nottingham – Boat full of chaps without a few pounds of common sense and a map. And a brief from their captain specifically not to bump into things!
Mines.
Etc etc.
Just think of the consequence of losing one of these things:
Lose of life.
The whole of the air wing.
Prestige. (Especially if named QE2 or PoW).
The drain on the Defence Budget is going to be massive for little gain.
How about HMS Marham/ HMS Kinloss/ HMS Leeming
Just to remind people of places where real capability exists.