Is this about VFR traffic? I thought the protocol was VFR traffic shouldn't contact Manchester any more than Stansted etc. I thought the general idea is VFR traffic must always use the lanes and otherwise not pester ATC.
I flew from Barton a few years ago and had plotted a direct route across Liverpool. I was told no chance - re-plot for the corridor. Are you telling me Manchester sometimes go soft on VFR traffic?