Ive said right from the start that many people were looking at the HSR with rose tinted spectacles.
Yes, it would be easy to assume many from the south east will now use BHX, but if the large majority of the flights people from the midlands need are already at LHR, now its much easier for them to get there!
Also, I kind of applaud BHX for putting itself out there in terms of publicity, but its been harping on about being 'LHR's third runway' for a long time now. Its starting to look like the kid in class putting its hand up every time a question is asked, but never gets picked. 'sir, im here, sir, ask me, sir, I can do this, SIR, SIR, ask me, SIRRR!!!'
Maybe they need to concentrate on getting services in their own right and focus on keeping the services they already have. Then, Get the bloomin extension of the runway sorted, integrate the terminal and show airlines what your capable of!