One has to wonder if the F-35C would be capable of STOBAR operation.
Then again, for whatever reason (limited production numbers is my guess) the F-35C is the most expensive version of the Lightning II.
STOBAR would be a good idea, regardless. A lighter weight arresting system would be cheaper, but couldn’t trap F-35s. But it would allow the RN to do what Brazil is doing and refit old C-1s and S-2s (which used to launch via deck runs a lot, even from Essex-class CVSes) for COD and tanking duties. Even as an alternative to the Merlin based Sea King AEW replacement.