Is all this speculation a case of 'might be', 'maybe' or 'possibly'?
I think that is even giving it too much credence, I seem to recall that the f(x)-35 has already beaten Boeing 5th gen in a comp. Best of luck if they want to switch their offereing to the fa-18ef 4th gen.
As well as diverting, the f-35b with a damaged nozzle can also be caught with the net [I assume the uk carrier will have a net catch system]
As for Australia, as per our current review, it has more SH as a plan B if the f-35 is futher delayed giving a capability gap, it's a non-story going by what both the ADF and gov are saying.
Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel – Joint Media Release – Australia’s future Air Capability