MM4 - I wouldn't say the 'fisheads' see the F35 as 'beloved' at all. I have no doubt my dark blue comrades would be delighted to go for a handful of Navy owned and operated Super Hornets. The F35 issue in this context is more about the rather incredible cost of the Cats'n'traps conversion for the QE Class.
The U-turn back to STOVL after the last SDSR came about because of those costs (I know, I was there). At the time, mitigating those costs with a switch to Super Hornets was not allowed to be mentioned. I'd love to believe someone would be brave enough to take the bold decisions we all recognise are needed in the next SDSR, but I won't be holding my breath.