Glojo,
Your point about the B-model is well made. The Harrier served us well in the past, but just because it did well in the Cold War, doesn't necessarily make it future of Naval Air Power. If we can go 'high tech' perhaps go for the best capability available. The limitations of the B may not represent that. High value (sorry, very high cost)air assets in the CAS role? Yep, you're right.
Love the joke!
I have to say, this is one of the best-informed and well-mannered threads I've seen here in a long time. Thank you all.