No hair being split by me, simply a pragmatic decision. We live on the outskirts of Rochdale and, since our train service (Oldham loop) was withdrawn in Oct to allow Metrolink to bugger it up, we have to take a taxi to R'dale station, change at Salford Crescent then walk quite a distance (if T3). From home to gate is about 1.5 hours on a good day. On a Sunday you can double that as it means Metro across town to catch train at Victoria.
From LPL, throw bags in car, 40 min drive to pre-booked parking, 5 min walk (if that) to check in. Same on the way back. No contest.
If you add to that no bar at MAN before airside I will go for LPL if poss.
I am in the fortunate position to have 3 airports nearby, LBA is not too far away so will choose the most comfortable option.
On a more positive note, we did notice this time round that security staff seemed more human/amenable, a welcome change, but did not make up for the crap layout of MAN.
Hope this clarifies things for you
wanna_be_there.