My entire point is that an escort that can't escort is not an escort. Type 31 is not an escort; and it does not respond adequately to any of the tasks listed for it. In the FRE role is pointless, in the Caribbean is handicapped, in the Gulf it is a joke.Leaping from there to "let's use a cross channel ferry instead" though rather hilariously negates your argument. On the one hand calling for a warrier warship, on the other calling for something that could only be used for a day trip to Calais.
If it has to be a constabulary ship, yes, i very much prefer the converted Point class. Because it has the space, aviation facilities, boat facilities, stores, endurance and wider usefulness to actually achieve something. Something which would extend all the way up to releasing the Bay LSDs from both Caribbean and Gulf committments for more flexible tasking within the task group.
Type 31 achieves the root square of nothing. An OPV with a Wildcat will already come along with MHC once it starts. Building not one but two classes of "super-OPVs", and with the River Batch 3 on top, is the quintessential definition of wasting money. From a fleet of sole "first rates" to as many as three "constabulary" classes flattened on the low end of the spectrum? For me it is and will continue to be demented.