ORAC,
Not sure if there was an element of humour in your post there, but there is quite a noticeable undercurrent in the MOD these days, even amongst the Dark Blue in private, wondering how much they really need them. That surprised me.
Several of the RN thinkers don't see them setting off round the world on six or twelve month cruises anymore and they don't see them doing defence of the British Isles. They know they weren't missed much in the last few international skirmishes and are thinking very hard how they are going to man them.
I think I find that more sad than they do.