All this talk of ASAC Merlins is very jolly, but it's more pie-in-the-sky than eye-in-the-sky...
1. With SDSR being reopened, in a bid to make further savings, getting funding for this looks rather unlikely
2. What use is there for this when there is no fleet to protect (no carriers and no jets)?
3. Even if there was a demonstrable role, please remember that our current Government is happy to do without an MPA, so capability sabbaticals (rather than mere holidays) are all the rage at the moment.
Sorry to wee on your bonfire, but...