Centreline stability versus deck-edge capacity

Did centreline aircraft lifts provide any major benefits?

They moved less in a seaway, but deck-edge lifts generally offered better aircraft capacity and deck handling.

Centreline lifts have a handling advantage because the ship's centre experiences less motion, especially when crews move aircraft by hand. That stability matters less once tractors and other powered handling equipment take over. Ark Royal and the armoured carriers would still gain far more usable aircraft space from deck-edge lifts. Placement would also balance the island and account for the structure of the armoured hangar.