Cats without the traps
Possibly a stupid idea, but; Would it be feasible/sensible/possible to fit catapults on the carriers but without the corresponding traps? You could heave a bit (lots?) more payload/fuel into the air, but still plan and train for the good old vertical landings, or if you must RVLs.
Of course, this all assumes the majority of the hazards present in Cat'n'trap operations occur at the recovery end of flight and that Vertical/RVL is a safer way to do that. Not too mention less onerous on deck and flightcrew training & currency reqs. Crazy or what?