Just to clarify a couple of points regarding the ECML - one NatEx is not being stripped of the franchise. It is one of those in dire straits but then most are.
And two GNER did not give up on the route "easily". It could not pay the premium required by DaFT and the parent company went into administration.
There will be more trains into KX from Yorkshire come December - Grand Central out of Teeside, more into London ex Leeds with some Bradford/ Halifax into the pot and rumours that the former Cleethorpes service will be resurrected.
So that may have a fairly serious affect on short hauls into either LGW/LHR. City maybe different tho...