TartinTon,
I agree completely with your points. However, my posting was directly comparing the new KLM service (wef March 2009) from Liverpool with the similar KLM service from Manchester to illustrate a specific point. Namely, that if the two airports had identical catchment areas it would be pointless to operate parallel flights from the two. My contention is that it makes sense to do so because the airports' catchment areas differ despite the element of overlap. I accept your points that EZY from LPL and BMI (Baby) from MAN will attract different market segments than KLM. Thus I am putting the case that it is entirely possible for major EC gateways to be served successfully from both cities (this is the contention which Mickyman appears to find ridiculous).
All the best.
SHED.