I suspect that the problem lies more in the Design authority and support areas where the contracts with BAES were terminated and folk paid off. They ain't service personnel and therefore can't be "recalled" and once they leave, being skilled types, funny old thing they tend to get well paid jobs that they ain't going to leave for a couple of years extra on Harrier support. Without DA and ILS you won't get a safety case for the bird and without that it doesn't matter how many aircrew and maintainers you've got.
The Harriers have gone. It wasn't (IMHO) the right decision. But they aren't coming back. Neither is Ark. Endex.
We have to live with the consequences and more pertinently the consequences of sh1t-stirring for the sake of it. I have yet to see a polly change their mind after having their noses rubbed in the smelly stuff.
Would much rather ensure that the F35C integration and plan for service is progressed properly.