As a pilot, although not Gatwick based, I can assure you KK (LGW) is a very, slick, efficient and professional service.
KK as we know is a multi-mode runway, ie. has arrivals and departures. Arrivals are therefore 'Gapped' or 'Packed' as required by KK Director (based in TC at Swanwick), according to the requirements of KK Tower. If there are departures, then 'Gapping' takes place, and arrivals are normally spaced at 5nm down the final approach, wake vortex requirements permitting, to allow a 'departure' in the 'arrival' gap.
If there are no departures (rare), then traffic can be 'Packed' and will be sequenced at 3nm on final approach as there isn't the need for a departure between the arrivals.
KK has only two 'stacks', both south of the field due to it's proximity to LL (LHR), and the flow of traffic that routes through the 'KK/KK gap'. Sequencing is very similar to that of the two southern holds of LL, ie. integrating traffic into a single flow from 2 holds towards the final approach. The difference is that LL then through the FIN (Final) Director integrates two streams, north and south, into one final approach sequence. KK has only the southern stream sequencing onto finals.
From a pilots perspective, the system is highly efficient, highly effective, and also, when capacity allows, highly flexible. Despite the high traffic density at times, it is an extremely comfortable place to operate through, because of the high quality of staff validated for this unit.
A star + on all occasions, and look forward to buying the 'starbucks' on my next regular visit
30W