I think the answer may turn on the role of the carriers as the UK's conventional strategic deterrent. Which will undoubtedly divide opinion, especially on here.
They make a statement about the size and nature of the stick we carry, and of potential to act. Escorts can turn up and defend themselves and assets near them, but are comparatively limited in terms of the military effect they can deliver and in some scenarios are reliant on air support.
Most (and hopefully all) of the time the carriers will be in the peacetime diplomacy space. And whatever your personal feelings on the issue, they do have an impact that arguably goes beyond what they can actually do - witness the impact of the wheezy old Khuznetsov. And when push does come to shove, they can deliver a very substantial capability.
I don't dispute the concern around escort numbers. But what I don't agree is that the UK would be in a better place if it didn't have the carriers. They are an immensely powerful and influential stick, not least in peacetime, in a way that no amount of escorts could ever be.