Hermes exceeded the relevant threshold by only about 500 tons. A lighter or welded successor could have created a squadron of small carriers, expanded British carrier-building experience, and prompted American responses, though it might also have displaced Unicorn or later light-fleet-carrier work. More ships of the type would give Britain trained crews and established production before the wartime escort crisis. The tradeoff is that a successful small-carrier program could redirect money and design effort from other aviation-support solutions.
Notable Point · 28:11-29:35
A squadron of Hermes-sized carriers
A Hermes just under 10,000 tons might have encouraged a British small-carrier program and a treaty category to match.