"The answer is a realistic defence settlement, not squabbling amongst ourselves." And how are you going to ensure that, then? Do you think that this Government (or indeed any Cameron-led Government) would increase spending sufficiently that CVF+JSF would not be a distortion, and would not suck money away from other priorities.
Alistair Darling has just announced an increase of £900 m on equipment next year.
There isn't going to be a 'realistic defence settlement' any time soon, so priorities need to be set. Gold plated 'nice to have' capabilities like CVF have no place in the current over-stretched Defence budget.
"The only sane answer to all this Treasury driven nonsense is to procure more aircraft."
The only sane answer is to procure more of EVERYTHING. More aircraft, more frigates and destroyers, more kit for the cabbage eaters. But sanity is not going to appear.