Not a Boffin,
CHF will (probably) survive operating Tranche 1 FML, ISD 2015ish, to replace the SK4+ by 2017. So, initially, CVF in LPH role could well have SK4+ as part of a TAG. T1 FML has currently, I believe, got LitM as a KUR for just this reason. All that remains now is to hold an open and fair competition...then award the contract to the merlin anyway........
Agree that the Chinook is a great asset in LitM, but also a great liability for any sustained embarked Ops. The RN tried "seeding" crews into Odi for a possible "Joint Force Chinook" I believe, but the concept was stillborn.
Also agree that CVF is not optimised for the LPH role, but the last Amphib Op we did was actually launched from land...so as long as there is space on the hangar deck for some vehicles, you can transport the rest via RFAs etc. And in terms of deck-cycle, the CVF should be leagues ahead of the current assets.
Now, if we buy a 35-40 000 tonne LPH to replace Ocean.......