I would have said that to make a route such as BHX / LYS a viable option on a 50 seat aircraft you need some business related (rather than leisure) traffic.
Though I'm sure someone will tell me otherwsie I cannot think of much major West Midlands industry with close ties to in dustry in the Rhon-Alpes area. BHX / STR would be in a similar position were it not for the automotive industries in both regions.
Particular problem with French regional services is that France is very "Paris-centric" much as England is "London-centric". Many people probably couldn't place Lyon on a map, let alone find reason for going there!