A suitable airport is not black and white. And yes you are getting mixed up with EDTO. Are you telling me if HN was open you must go to HN?
What if HN was max X wind and Min vis. Also short rw that if LDR was factored the a/c could not land. Still technically suitable but is this wise?
AA is CAVOK with better RFF, longer. That is your nearest suitable in my opinion unless it is a dire situation.
Granted on the day HN was fine and well done to the crew, I'm just interested in the debate on nearest suitable not in casting opinions on this event.