IMHO, all rather strage from EI management on the handling of a resumption of a West Coast route.
Why come out so fast to deny it? Surely, with new route subsidies, even moderatly good load factors in the initial year could make the route viable (assuming an aircraft and crew resources are avilable). If they interline with the EI shorthaul & regional network and get the service away during the CBP 'window', it could be a real option for Irish and UK pax.
Unless of course, they've got their poker faces on and are pushing for a deal with someone somewhere for something in order to kick it all off.
JAS