Merlin Mk3 is going to the RN, no doubt. The Puma decision makes that loss acceptable to the RAF. The critical mass argument worked both ways so if the RAF had lost both Merlin and Puma, then it (SH Force) would also become unviable. This way both services are content, so yes, there are still political decisions made in these lean times.
When Comd JHC asked the RAF's Merlin guys if they wanted to go to sea, not one of them put their hands up. That sealed it in his eyes; give the fleet to those who are prepared to sail and don't try to defend any other decision. Ironically, a fair few of those with their hands down will end up on Chinooks and will undoubtedly see what grey funnel cruising is all about.