The genesis of the variant debate is money. If it were no object then the RN would most likely now be pursuing a hefty purchase of F-35C to fill both CATOBAR Carriers to the Gunwales. On the other hand, the RAF would be happily filling at least 5 sqns of probe-equipped F-35A. Cost that lot out and you rapidly realise why one variant or none at all was the order of the day from HM Treasury.
Back to reality, please.
The argument that JFH proved that an Air Force and a Navy's "Air Power" cannot be reconciled has become dogma to those bitten by the past. It is legacy thinking and, while you can argue all you want about it on the forums, there are a highly capable and forward-leaning bunch of light and dark blue committed to reconciling the mistakes of the past. That is NOT an argument against the B variant. I can confidently state that the JFH saga was born of two (not one) sides forced to play each other's game.
It's not forced this time. Both sides are in it together. Both sides understand the end-state and the concept in equal measure and, as has already been stated earlier, are chomping at the bit to get stuck in and demonstrate a very powerful capability for the UK.
Oh, and by the way Engines, the view isn't just held at SO1/SO2 level like it used to be. It now goes to at least 2* on both shades of blue which proves that times have changed and for the better.