I operate from Barton and will agree that they are don't do any (financial) favours for Helicopters. I have a fixed wing landing contract which allows me to land all day every day for a fixed fee of about £300. Not the same with my helicopter where I pay (in comparison) an extortionate amount for landings. I fly 2/3 times per week from Barton and it costs a fortune when compared to the operating costs of my Heli. They are very friendly and I have absoluteley no problems with the tuition, facilities or the very dedicated team there, but the new owners are squeezing money out of heli operators.
It does annoy me that my heli hardly ever touches the runway but I have to pay a landing fee!!
You will have to balance the facilities at Liverpool and the delays for clearance etc with travelling to Barton and their fees to be able to work out which is better for you.
Joel