You're very probably right, Courtney. I understand that it is indeed the effect of the main gear trampling the wire first which has caused the problem, because the cable dynamics are such that it isn't back at the correct deck height before the hook reaches it. As for approach speeds, the F-7U videoclip starts with a number of slow motion clips - see the guy 'running' in the background.
Presumably the F-35C needs a 'stealthy' hook fitting as well - so modification would cost $LOTS?
Yes, the UK will probably be far better off with an F-18E/F/G fleet if F-35C costs and delays keep increasing.
And isn't the F-35 a butt-ugly looking thing? It it looks good..... As witness the unsurpassed F-15C!