Just a spotter, I see your point re who would have interest; I think BA could certainly be a front runner if any. The rumours were last year that EI was destined for an Alliance, if it was Star Alliance, would this jeopardise the strong feed of traffic into LHR with EI to the BA network. BA put signifcant worth on this Irish originating traffic.
Aside from this is could well be a personal objective of Willie Walsh to see EI under the IAG umbrella first to secure that interline traffic but also to develop the brand further, EI has come through the worst of times at the height the recession with FR stronger than ever. EI has alot of opportunities firstly increase transatlantic operation and transfer opportunities, opportunity to grow Aer Lingus Regional and also to exploit a strenght that could exist, serving high frequency routes with a smaller e jet for eg this could be good against FR on thin routes that could drive good business fares.
EI-BUD