And let’s not fool ourselves into thinking MAN TP is gold standard. MAN was never going to get a glass palace and MAN TP isn’t. It’s practical, modern and pretty pleasant but it’s nothing particularly luxurious or grand.
Leisure travel is indeed a huge part of MAN and it always will be. You misjudge the bucket & spade brigade who, in reality at MAN (and most other northern airports) spend their money and no doubt fund those “gold standard” facilities. Not withstanding that, as we all know, MAN serves many non leisure routes and carriers.
I’m still not convinced that this isn’t about spotters wanting more variety.