Biggus,
I'm not looking for controversy and my point is a very simple one. I hope the new maritime force spends a little more time being part of the RAF and a little less time trying to be the Royal Kipper Force, as was very much the case in my time. I'm sure you'll know exactly what I mean.
What I meant by my "system that works" comment, is by and large there is no need to re-invent a rank structure that functions throughout the RAF and has done for a long time.
However they man up the new fleet, gentle specialist massaging (ooh er) of the rank structure to fit the aircraft requirements would be sensible imho. As you say evolution...maybe even discrete evolution.
I'll get me coat. Taxi for TOFO.