Would converting Admiral-class hulls into carriers have been preferable to converting the Courageous class?
Short answerPotentially; two carriers and two battlecruisers on related Admiral-class machinery would have created a powerful, prestigious, and easier-to-support fast force.
NotesCompleted Admiral-class sisters could have become large first-generation fleet carriers while Hood and another sister remained battlecruisers. Flight-deck size and prestige are part of the appeal, while four related hulls would also share machinery and support requirements. Related carriers and battlecruisers could form a fast force with fewer unique engineering demands. The counterfactual turns on standardization and fleet logistics as much as combat power.