Hi Eldin
It's just too subjective to accurately answer your question. The weather has been slightly strange lately and the wind a little less predictable but 8am certainly sounds like a VERY early change. We normally change onto 12l between 6 and 7a.m and don't swing again until late a.m.
One possible explanation is that we have had several short runway closures for signal mobile vehicles to do some testing on the ILS lately and they may have required 30r in use. There is going to be a bit of a shakedown period for a few weeks while controllers and pilots get used to ANOTHER new airfield layout in preparation for 12r opening for certain periods as a departure runway (meant to start today!).
In terms of prefered runways we don't really have a preference re no. of runway movements. The worst is having a strong westerly when a/c auto brake for the closed M5/6 then trundle down to M4. V.Frustrating but that will all change now as M4 closed and M5/6 open... Should be interesting!
Had a strip torn off me by a pilot on another thread about braking later which seemed a bit over the top. Reducing runway occupancy is something we endeavor to improve in the interests of safely reducing delays for the airlines... It's not for fun or the good of our health! Sitting in the tower day in day out you certainly get the feel for when a crew has made the effort or not... Anyway, I digress.
Maybe it was just a lazy controller that morning!?!
Sorry I can't be more help, CR
