Yes Giles do not be too downhearted. One of the main problems goes back over 30 years when successive UK governments would not allow Luton Council to borrow money to expand the airport because they were in favour of the British Airports Authority as it was then and also wanted the third London Airport to be built at Maplin. So the only way they could get any money to improve facilities etc. was to go into partnership with private investors who - surprise surprise - are in it to make money - it is called capitalism. Some of us remember the temporary tent erected in the summer of 1974 when Court Line were operating two TriStars (go to BritishPathe.com and see John Stapleton do a piece to camera).
As for charters or inclusive tours it is up to the charterer where they want to fly from - if there is demand they will fly from any airport.
So cheer up love - it is not all bad news we seem to have cornered the market for football charters for teams playing in the European Cup at the moment but that is probably due to night restrictions at all the other main London airports.