ICBM and Others,
Perhaps I can help on F-35B ramp aspects here.
There were no indications a few years back that the F-35B front leg needed strengthening. It's a JORD requirement for the aircraft to carry out a ramp launch, and the initial design was driven by ramp launch analyses. Of course, tests at Pax will be needed - they were certainly planning to build a test ramp a few years back. In the unlikely event that they did need to beef it up, I think it's most unlikely that it would not be allowed to impact bring back.
It's my view that the UK will need a ramp, and it would be very strange if we didn't use one. A ramp gives significant increases in MTOW (very significant) at reduced deck runs. It also delivers increased safety margins (in terms of time available for reaction to emergencies) at the same time. As I was told by one experienced TP 'knowing you're always going to leave the deck going upwards is a real plus'. Actual angles will come out of the tests, but I'd expect something less than 13 degrees.
Best regards
Engines