As a regular Eastern passenger (NCL-SOU) this throws a real spanner in the works. I live closer to MME than NCL but NCL offers the direct service!
Not sure this format is ideal. Can't imagine many MME-LBA pax, and for anyone wanting to travel MME-SOU, with the stop, surely NCL is still an option. (looking at a map, the main population centres at, Sunderland. Boro, Durham are all within both catchment areas).
Its going to depend on timings I think. But as said elsewhere, its a step in the right direction! Anything from MME is good these days!
RTG!