There was talk of doing this about 6-9 months ago, and the final outcome was to be decided post-SDSR. The problem is these guys are on the payroll still. Of course, being abroad means they are eligible for all sorts of allowances, claims etc that could quite easily be spent on SSSA, flat screen TVs in the Med Centre and Corsa hire cars at £137 a day.
It's a good idea, has been discussed but I think you're right the FJ Mafia will claim it's a bad idea.
Why not send some of the wets/drys to replace Navy types on the Merlin for a couple of years? Of course, this would stop seamen from going flying for just a couple of years at great expense to the taxpayer...