Unchecked, the real reason the Merlins are going to CHF is because there is no more money(well certainly not for a new type), Defence has come down on the side of amphibious capability and carrier enabled strike),
So if defence is coming down on the side of amphib, why are they not ensuring that amphib has the best possible platform to fulfill the role ?
If the plan is to have CVF as an amphib operations launch platform then it is known that they will be large enough to fully operate chinook from, above and below deck. Chinook is the better option in terms of capability and finance - the budget has already funded them.
If the plan is to take Merlin because Ocean will continue in it's role,which even by the admission of some Dark Blue posters in this forum is not up to scratch, then that's not exactly investing into the best equipment is it - that's just 'making do'.