I love the 'slot' discussion when it falls to BMI's slots at Heathrow. Whilst any slot out of and into Heathrow is valuable, they only become valuable to long haul if you can sensibly tie them up with a useful slot at your major destination airport. Conversely the return slots need a sensible departure, boarding and check in time at the other end. There is no point using the slot out of Heathrow and then having to fly very slowly for 12 hours as you can't land until then at your destination.
All slots are not equal! Whilst some of BMI's slots could be converted a lot couldn't. LH and SH departures are biased towards the more lucrative LH slots with SH 'giving way' in terms of schedule.
I hope the future of BMI gets sorted soon as no one wants the worry at any time let alone over the festive season.
Good luck to all.