Ocean's deck had been designed with a bit more than Merlin in mind, CH53K would be an (outside) runner for FRC(H)
In fact modifying OCE to take CH53/V-22 would have been relatively cheap and simple. Make the lifts a bit bigger, achievable without having to go through any major structural members, and strengthen the deck (some tertiary stiffeners). All of this would have beenmuch simpler and cheaper than making a Chinook fold.
However...
The V-22 was prohibitively expensive and introducing the 53 was never going to happen as it was seen as introducing another type (we were never going to replace the Chinook), something that the mantra (more different types = more expense) would never allow.
So, we are wjere we are...
Nick