Manchester exile
I think there may have been an issue with delays that day as the DL and VS in T2 also had to wait for a stand (DL for about 30mins and VS about 25 mins).
It isnt normal to wait that long.
With regards to your flight, dont forget you were on an A340-600, and as its a larger aircraft, it needs a larger stand. If an outbound was delayed leaving, then it meant the EY couldnt get on.
Its not just a MAN problem though, I have arrived through LHR 4 times this year, and waited 25, 34, 42 and 15 minutes for a stand, but maybe I am just unlucky, unless you count the 20 minute wait at JFK and the 10 minute wait at ORD too?
So yes, its frustrating to wait for a stand, but please remember, it might not be an issue that MAN is to blame for.
As for the travelators, yes the lasck travelators is frustrating, but after a '29 hour flight' Id rather walk and stretch my legs anyway to be honest. In terms of poor level of service, but God forbid if people have to use their legs!