Very well put dwlpl.
The routes and timings they introduced from Liverpool just appeared to be a token gesture, knowing full well they would fail.
I think they just wanted a foot hold in the Northwest whilst waiting for a better opportunity to turn up.
Personally I am very disappointed in them. All the hype and promises they came out with at the start were nothing but lip service to Liverpool.
After listening to an interview with Mike Rutter on Radio Merseyside a few weeks ago he more or less said they would be going to Manchester eventually and he didnt seem that bothered about letting Liverpool down. You win some you lose some was something like his response.