whoshotjimmi. A good read but you are off the mark in some respects. First, LBA might be able to "bag" a couple of long haul routes but these, in my opinion, are likely to be restricted to charter, Dubai, Pakistan and perhaps a New York. LBA, next to the M1 or otherwise, will always struggle next to MAN. It's not just all about surface links but also the local economy and unfortunately the NorthWest economy has the more compelling case whilst serving Yorkshire at the same and aswell as the North Midlands and the North East.
Also you'd be very surprised to hear that low cost operators often have as many stipulations on the airport as a full service/long haul carrier, just different ones. Sometimes the airport has to jump through even more hoops for the LCC's. Appearances can be deceptive.