FB-11 - The simplification is there for a reason. We can debate the relative merits of various types but in reality in the last twenty five years have we really used the seaborne capability of the Sea Harrier to its fullest bar the Falklands War? Various actions have been fought in the Balkans in which land based aircraft have been more than capable of carrying out the role.
Aircraft are far easier to defend at land bases - your note about the GR.7's is interesting - compare that however to the number of Harrier/Sea Harrier's that have been lost directly because of operating at sea . Add to that the requirement and cost of ASW cover and AEW types purely to protect the carriers and the sums don't add up. The theory that wherever we go now in the world we shall have Allied air cover for our carriers is a ridiculous. It's now a liability for them and I am sure that any force we are a member of will want our carriers to act in a similar role to the Atlantic Conveyer by unloading the Harriers as soon as possible to a land base and clearing off out of the way.