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A couple of general observations:
*If S2C2 goes ahead in a form similar to that proposed by the project team, then the C1 class will replace the ASW capability provided by the Type 23 and Type 22 Batch 3 class frigates. What this means is that 8-10 C1 need to replace 17 T22/T23. So hulls are at a premium.
*Under normal circumstances, CVF can carry more than enough Merlin to cater for any task group it's leading. This isn't true of the amphibious fleet (aircraft space there is already at a premium), and it wouldn't be true if CVF took aboard a full load of JSF. Both of these scenarios (full strike wing aboard CVF, full amphibious full) are what one might expect to find if the RN were actually going to war and needed a competent ASW escort.
*Merlin HM.1 should not be flying off of RFAs. The Cold War model of a few Merlin flying off a Fort Victoria in support of a TG of Type 23 in the middle of the North Atlantic is obsolete, it has been replaced by large TF centric tactics. These days the RFA need utility types for VERTREP, and using a Merlin HM.1 (which costs as much as a small frigate) for cargo hauling is a waste. Providing the ship's flight to the RFA should be part of FRC (Lift) (I believe it already is).
*The contention that the RN doesn't have many Merlin needs to recognise that the RN doesn't have all than many ship anymore either! Also, there is an order for 30-35 Naval Future Lynx coming up.

CVA02:
*My interest in through deck escorts actually comes from the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force's DDH program. Specifically a comparison of the Shirane and Hyuga classes. The interesting thing to note is that the JMSDF has far more experience of operating three big helicopters off the back of an escort than anyone else, and they've come o the conclusion that through deck is the superior configuration. IMHO the Hyuga class is far more of a CVS than a DDH, but I still think it makes the point eloquently enough.
*For the record, I consider UVX to be one of the most hair-brained poorly though out design concepts of recent years.
*I for one am not proposing a "fantastic helicopter carrier" or anything of the sort. I'm proposing a c.10,000 ton DDH with the flight deck arrangements that'll make the best use of the embarked helicopters. Basically all I am proposing is a rearrangement of the elements of a DDG on a slightly larger hull (remember "steel is cheap, air is free") in order to get the most out of the embarked helicopters, which shouldn't drive up the cost unduly.

Shaun:
*Simultaneous events are not possible with a flight-deck aft configuration much smaller than the Bay class flight deck. That is a hard and fast rule, and it's related to safety. You cannot get an aft flight deck that big onto a vessel small enough to act as an escort.
*Whoever said that a conventional weapons fit forward wasn't an option? It's certainly what I envisage. Just offset the superstructure aft of that and build a hanger/flight deck to port.
*'Arcs of fire" is an essentially outdated concept for most purposes these days, we're not expecting these ships to get into gun duels. Limiting you're aviation capabilities to provide clear arcs of fire for you're main gun is a massive own goal. [NB: examine Sunk's proposal, note that the main gun would have a c. 220-degree arc anyway.]