So the solution to not being able to afford F-35 and cats'n'traps is to buy F-18, cats'n'traps and F-35. I think I see the flaw. F-35 isn't magically going to get cheaper.
I totally agree that a carrier without cats'n'traps is severely limited but apparently we can't afford them. I'm still hoping the money will be found and there will be no change to the current plan. Any other option is a huge step backwards for the RN and the RAF and more importantly the UK.