Thanks for the input zkdli!
I'll have a chat with the SD and see what they have to say about it. With an understanding of the reasons it might reduce our frustration! Still. Painful experience trying to escape GW though, first waiting for release from NE then 20 mins to get above FL100.
If this is the best we can collectively do, as another thread queries - is there really airspace for a third runway at LL. I won't thread creep further - but it doesn't look good :-(
Rgds
30W