No missile: Valid point, but the Italians have got one, so why haven't we? I got told by someone from 824 NAS was that it was being talked about, but due to costs.........that was in March 2004 btw.
No EO: Then what about the Wescam thing.......
see this.
Can't respond to your other points!!
Jacko, MASC has been mentioned elsewhere on PPRuNe, and also other places.
See this very informative page.
Also this
page about Merlin lists Anti Ship Missiles if you click on Armament.
Oddly, it also lists Airborne Mine Counter Measures as a possible role.........as if the MOD is going to pay for that.