Actually, VIR's new LHR-MAN service makes total sense
Actually here's what it really means. Virgin Atlantic will
never base B787s at MAN to fly long haul. THAT's the key take out. You can bet M.A.G. were talking to VS about basing some of those shiny new B787s to build on the success of existing leisure routes from T3. This new strategy means loudly and clearly that any LHR route, is unlikely to be duplicated from MAN as the focus will be on feeding the London end through the A319 operation.
So MAN may get an uplift in passengers domestically, but exisiting hopes that VS might grow the operation beyond sun routes now look hopeless, and that's a shame.
Having said that, if it does work out then fair play to them for giving it a go.