From an outsiders perspective going back to the B seems like the least-worst long term solution.
Yes, that the C is a better aircraft seems indisputable and, yes, a Cat-n-Trap capable carrier would provide the potential for AWACS, COD, IFR & interoperability with the USN and French.
However, when valuable platforms from all services have been cut-back (less T45s) or cut entirely (Nimrod, Harrier), does anyone really think it's likely we'll ever purchase a carrier AWACs platform? Certainly, the carriers will have a 30+ year lifespan and not having a cat-n-trap capability prevents us from getting AWACs, etc later, but in the last 20-years when have we ever added new capability in similar areas in any of the services?
If we stick with the C I'm guessing we'll have a part-time capability with only one carrier and barely enough money in the pot to keep the crews current. Which will be pretty embarrassing.
Whereas at least with the B we can use both the carriers and have a full-time capability. And we'd have interoperability with the USMC if not the USN (why would the USN care that much about interoperability with us given the number of carrier groups they've got?)
Also, I'd assume that if the USMC are taking the B then they'll put the time and effort in to making it a capable platform. Assuming that any of the F35 family become capable platforms that is.
Just an outsiders view.