I too do not get this facination with regards to BA at MAN. They are gone!! If BA going means that the other carriers are put in a better situation, then that has to be good. BA may have promised MAN things in the past, but this is today. Would I like to see US pull my option of BDL-PHL-MAN, or DL via JFK/ATL or CO via EWR, hell no, let BA go, it is not as if they are a growing carrier, or shown any commitment to MAN for a long time.
Those die hard fans of BA who can afford to loose luggage should still have the option of LHR, and all its wonderous pleasures!!!
Now MAN needs to move on, ensure the success of the carriers it has, and forget history otherwise it may repeat itself!!