Squirrel,
No Marine is allowed to even speculate on getting any F-35Cs let alone make a case for that option despite aircraft life issues between Harrier and Hornet. Not much notice nor many comments on the fact that the San Diego crash Hornet was a D and traps was about all it had left in it and that was all that it could be used for.
Actually the Harrier has deployed in combat from gators with no CVNs in the vicinity. Gators can travel and turn a few gator squares without drawing any attention while everyone pays attention to CVNs. The less press the better. Probably do it again when gator air will meet the requirement(s).
S/F, FOG