wasn't that one of the original motives behind having the three small "Invincibles"? Three lower value targets instead of one high value / high risk target. If you remember the plan was also to augment these in time of war with "Arapahoe" container ships (or tankers) flying Harriers off pre-fab decks
Same logic as suggested the Harrier "Skyhook" trials, with the intention of launching off rails on a frigate, and being recovered by crane, with 2-3 per frigate.
Maybe we should take another look at both these: presumably with newer, more robust gear the Arapahoe concept could be made to work?