barnstormer.... much as I admire that admirable cynicism
BAe have already carried out conversions and tests on a EF, and have found out that it works. Plus, the carriers are currently in building, so don't require any expensive retrofitting - their already designed to bolt a cat and trap on anyway, if need be.
Plus, i'm advocate dark blue pilots, although cross training would be possible obviously.
and we can't bin the carriers because at the end of the day, any true strike carrier is an exceptionally useful asset.
I think a better question would be, which would give us the greatest capability? JSF or EF?