terrain and ayr, thanks for your comments - it's always good to feel talked down to. Despite your suggestions to the contrary, I do know a bit about ATC. I also know a little about how modern aircraft are operated - I find it helps when I am controlling. There's always at least two sides to every situation.
Yup, runways are dangerous places. Sadly, the point I was trying to make is clearly lost on you and others. But hey, Manchester's clearly a safe place from the ATC point of view - all the incident reports must come about because of those idiot pilots.
Professionalism is not simply about shifting more aircraft on your runway(s) safely - I can't help feeling that it's about doing it smoothly....for all concerned.
But, you know, I really don't know why I'm bothering......