No, I'm talking about this situation and only this one. To use the carrier argument based upon this scenario is to ask for it to be shot down, if you'll forgive the pun. Use the argument in a far reaching, Falklands-type scenario if you want it to demonstrate the parlous state of UK defence policy.
I actually fully support the idea (though perhaps not the over-inflated cost) of a conventional carrier but the Harrier/Ark Royal argument is over, it's moved on.