rduarte... I've been this thread for a bit, and I think you're missing a ranther pertinent ponit:
NONE of the VdeM's A-4s ever got off the deck to attack the RN in '82. And given the state of VdeM now - see
www.hazegray.org and you find a note that reads "Note: The carrier Veintecinco De Mayo has been scrapped.".
Oh dear.
But on your broader point of whether the UK should follow the French Navy and make CVF, like PA2, a conventional carrier, the answer is clearly yes.
However, the airwing should then be Dave C and Hawkye 2000. Ooh, and maybe a C-2 as well.....
And yes, I have the highest regard for the professionalism of the French forces.
S41