If what Michael Smith (Sunday times) says is true, then the RAF lower downs need to stand up against Torpy. He is doing you irreparable damage that will last many years (remember Harding, Wilson etc). All you have to consider is "What if he fails to disband the FAA and AAC, and the 'One Nation One Airforce' strategy fails?" where does this leave the RAF other than diminished, demeaned and humiliated in the eyes of the British public and their own Service. Those that served in the FAA and AAC will still be able to hold their heads high, whatever the outcome the RAF will not.
So long as the Government says it needs CVF then the RAF/FAA must retain the Harrier to ensure that the necessary deck/ship/aircrew skills are retained for its introduction into service. There are those above who are far more knowledgeable that i who know what it takes to operate FW at sea and it appears to be more that just landing on, bombing up and re-launching - in simple terms these people need to WANT to go to sea.
With regards to the centenary of the FAA, according to the RN blurbin 2009 they are celebrating "100 Years of Naval Aviation" known as Fly Navy 100 .