The bottom line is that HLF invested money in the project on behalf of the "populace" including gift aid money courtesy of the taxpayer whichever way you dice it up.
Saying working order not flight is splitting hairs as the pitch in the HLF bid was to return it to flight for x years, not one. The HLF are hardly going to say anything other than positive things.
That's all academic however. It's not even a question of "are they worth it?". It is a charitable trust and they are required to be accountable, whether they like it or lump it. I could care less who is paid what if it is shown to be value, it's up to them to show value. Personally, if the project is well run and efficient pay whatever the going rate is. They haven't demonstrated that they have run things efficiently.
If they can and do, spot on and good luck to all for getting paid what they are worth.
The challenge is continually convincing the public to donate and surely they have to show the money will be well spent in doing so. The solution is in the hands of the trust. Publicise their uptodate accounts, give a detailed business plan and progress reports (beyond "we're confident" or "we're all doomed unless").
Whilst the winter is upon us, get some info out and re-enthuse everyone or they will surely loose out on potential donors and that may affect the projects viability.