It is a difficult line to toe. Obviously if their primary objective is to raise awareness of the (continuing) existence of the boat, BMcBF is a winner, and there are numerous cash-in opportunities such as those you suggest. If done right it might not even look cynical!

If on the other hand giving it a silly name "dilutes their brand" (to use an HN favourite) then they're going to do the stuffy thing. Not entirely sure why folks would be surprised at a Conservative minister taking a conservative approach...

Really seems that SCIENCE does a lot better in the public eye at the moment when it goes populist rather than cloistered, but here we are...

The most popular talking vehicle, in the US at least, is named Thomas.

This isn't a particularly convincing argument for a silly name. If kids will accept Thomas, surely they'll accept a more serious name than Boaty McBoatface.

The point of the boat isn't to be a Budgie the Helicopter style cash machine, is it? It has a serious purpose.

Why does it have to appeal to 4 year olds, who have zero understanding of or interest in what it does? Why does it require an infantile name to appeal to kids who are old enough to be interested in what it does?

The only reason this is even any kind of issue is because of the way internet works, where all kinds of pointless immature stupidity is given far more time of day than it deserves, because newspaper sites have to fill themselves with something.

Edit: Oh dear. Looks like I hit a nerve with some people. :( ∗sad mcsadface∗