Mad Scientist,
It is pertinent to the carrier discussion though, what I think off as the kriegsmarine scenario- a small fleet of reletively good units but to few in number to be risked. With just two carriers, will the UK govt ever risk them in operations other than those dedicated to national wartime emergiencies?
A couple of examples- Hermes in the Red Sea during the 67 Arab Isreali war- too small but too valuable (See "Vanguard to Trident" by Eric Grove) to deploy, so despite investment in the carrier fleet, it was of little or no use.
Turkish invasion of Cyprus- why no UK operation to deter? (hint, only Ark Royal left)
Ark Royal to the Gulf in 90-91- to valuable to risk in the NAG so "supported" the coalition from the Med.
Two carriers is the absolute minimum but still constrains effective use in "wars of choice". To use military force to effectively support diplomacy requires the will to take risks. The only answer is a larger force of carriers which can sustain extended deployments and provide a buffer against attrition. Lets hope that after the two CV's are delivered, the UK Govt replaces Ocean and Ark Royal with two F35B capable "LHD's" similar to the Australian/Spanish designs.