Mick,
I do not disagree. These dates being quoted now, e.g., 2020/2023? for 35? deployment availability on whichever deck is available makes a mockery of the 2016/2018? dates that were being touted this time last year. Has the CV/JSF(JCA) programme slipped that much?
In the mean time, you may have seen this:
Defence cuts: David Cameron attacked by Royal Navy Harrier pilot - Telegraph
This, attributed to Cameron, is interesting: Mr Cameron thanked Lt Cdr Ward for "everything" he had done for his country but added: "I have listened to all the military advice, and the military advice is pretty clear that when we have to make difficult decisions,
it is right to keep the Typhoon as our principal ground attack aircraft, working in Afghanistan at the moment, and it is right to retire the Harrier."
My bold. They have no idea...