Definitely cheaper to keep the ramp. Subcontractors on LHD charge like a wounded bull for any changes.
When said large lump of metal arrives in Williamstown (to have the superstructure built/fitted) it's going to severely curtail the daylight getting into my office.
I definitely wouldn't say it's an ego trip, and is less likely to injure the crew (unlike Kanimbula and Manoora, LHD is likely to be seaworthy).
Of course there is a bit of a capability gap for the next 5 years or so, hence why a second hand buy/lease is being looked at (hope that works out, RAN haven't had great luck with second hand kit recently).