Caz
I think you'll find he's changed his tune (post 1402) to wanting temporary foreign (ie IT, SP, USMC) embarkations, rather than the regeneration of AV8 production lines or purchase of (non-existent surplus) AV8B+.
I think everyone (including WEBF) understands that there is no money in the near term to regenerate JFH. Which btw doesn't mean the decison to gash the capability wasn't "bonkers", it's merely a recognition of a fait accomplis.
You are therefore unlikely to get an answer to your question "where are the qualified pilots coming from?"
Incidentally, you should be aware that in terms of "cancelling the carriers", the penalty clause you refer to pertained to PoW, rather than the pair.