Sir Michael Boyce going?
Having worked with the man and found him to be someone who is generally interested in the conditions of those who work for him, as well as wanting as big a bang for the buck, it can only be bad news. Despite the fact that he is a Submariner, he has a good grasp and understanding of the role of organic air power. So, If it is true something must be up!
By the way, the Harrier may be small and subsonic, but it has a big stick and a good radar that talks to it, ask an F3 pilot if that is the case with his AMRAAM.