"This would leave the RN in command of the fighters needed to defend itself with the RAF chipping in for anything beyond fleet defence."
S-a-N, Be very careful with statements like that. You just feed the "self-licking lollipop" school of thought, and make it look like all the RN is interested in is ownership of toys. The purpose of the CVF is eloquently described by OA; it is a joint force asset, with it's TAG normally chopped to the JFACC. The TAG might just as easily, if it is BH/AH heavy, be under the control of COMATG or the JFLCC.
"Chipping In" is just not a good enough reason for CVF; it must be able to PROJECT power, not just defend itself. Anyway, I thought the RN was claiming all sort of wondrous AD capabilities for the T45, so nearly all the TAG could be used for offensive action....