Queen Elizabeth was the next-best museum candidate after Warspite

If Warspite was too worn for preservation, could Queen Elizabeth have represented the class as a museum ship?

Yes. Queen Elizabeth was the next-best candidate because she was less battered while still possessing a substantial service history.

Warspite's damage and wear were practical obstacles to preservation. Queen Elizabeth was the next-best representative because she was less battered while still having a substantial service history. A museum-ship choice needs a viable hull as well as a strong historical case. The most famous member of a class is not always the most practical survivor.