It is all about where your priorities lie and I am not sure I understand your point, PBA.
The main priorities for today's RN are.
In no particular order:
Protection of our trading routes (HMS Bulwark is presently engaged in combatting Piracy of the coast of Somalia).
Combatting the drugs trade.
Maintaining an independent Nuclear deterrant.
Support of other forces especially the Army and Royal marines. (many new spangly ships to enable the RN to do this. Big investment in heavy lift, culminating in Albion, Bulwark, Ocean, Argus, 4 Bay Class Assault Ships and the two remaining CVS in the LPH role). Also investment in better guns to provide gunfire support at long range. Combine this with the effect of Harpoon both ship and sub launched.
Projection of Air Power, JFH with the GR9 WILL be an effective force. CVF and JCA much more so.
Defence Dimplomacy Covert or Overt.
Air Defence of individual ship or a force. The Type 45 will excel at this task, until the RN get JCA. The SKMk7 and it's future replacement also offers some capability with Searchwater 2000. Probably the best Airborne ASACs system operating anywhere at this time. MK7 can also transmit to troops on the ground as seen during day 1 of the assault on the Al Fawr peninsula.
Support of JHC with Mk4 Seakings, operating in many parts of the world and providing much needed lift capability in :
Sierra Leone
Northern Ireland
Bosnia
Kurdistan
Iraq to name just a few
The Royal Marines god bless em.
So this is just a snapshot, the RN is healthy. Yes we could do with more escorts for all the tasks but at least Adm West had the balls to remove tasks as the ships were paid off.
As to the comment about self sufficiency, the Navy has never won a war on it's own, and everyone in the navy realises that. You need troops on the ground. Even the brilliance of Nelson needed the help of Wellington to finish the job. Sometimes the flying fraternity seem to forget that lesson, you are there as part of a combined, unified and coherent force to support the movement and effect of troops on the ground! Do not listen to those who would seek to drive a wedge between the Services just to achieve their own aims and do not pander to WEBF!