While it's really important for MAplc to concentrate on keeping incumbent airlines happy - they have alot to thank Easyjet for after all, they also need to be attracting other carriers.
MAD doesn't need EZY from MAN, it needs JK/IB/UX - the option needs to be there to connect into the hub. The same for LIS - MAplc needs to be wooing TAP back - maybe not daily, but certainly 4/weekly. There was no problem with profitability on the old NI route to LIS from MAN (which was 6/weekly), the problem was Air France and their interest in Portugalia at the time.
VIE - Lauda Air provided some great connections via VIE from MAN. Indeed, I remember using them to SYD back in 2002, for under £1000 return - BUSINESS CLASS! Those days won't be back, but OS are developing a good network from VIE which MAN could supplement nicely.