Orac, Jackonico:
First, STOBAR. Let's actually see what the Gorshkov can do. The US did plenty of STOBAR related work in the 70s and 80s and came to the conclusion that ramp launches of CTOL aircraft (even using a short catapult as well on the flat bits) gave useful improvements at low weights but ran out of go at mission weights. STOBAR gives you the worst of both worlds: you lose lots of deck to the takeoff run and still need the space to get the things back on.
Orac, I confess that when Walmesley starts saying that 'carriers are basically a big box', my heart sinks. They can get VERY complicated. and are regarded as a severe test of design competence. The UK hasn't designed and built a large carrier since the 40s. There's risk here. That said, we can get a lot from the civilian sector, but that should not be a surprise: the most successful UK carriers ever were the Light Fleets (Melbourne, 25th May, etc.) that were built to commercial standards.
As for CDG and the French: I belive that they'll run into the same size trap the US avoided. Let's see what their launch rate from the thing is.
Ain't this fun? Now, who's for a bet on STOVL first flight dates? My shots: March 01 for Boeing, Sept 01 for Lockheed.