Gentlemen,
this is entirely the wrong attitude to take, don't view the 'gapping' of MR2/4 (or MR2/Nimrod 2028 as it'll eventually be known) in this pessimistic vein - look for the opportunities this affords:
What better time could you find for running vast quantities of cocaine into the country? No MPAs, the RN reduced to a fisheries protcetion vessel, 4 pedaloes and HMS Victory, and the Army are both away in Afghanistan. I'm in for a fiver, how about we all club together for a massive drugs haul during the capability gap? Hmm?
Dave "Carlos" B