Stansted is also in need of an airline that could feed services for connections if that was to happen. That is Stansted's biggest issue in my opinion when it comes to long haul. However it does seem crazy that the amount of people who live close to or have to drive past Stansted to catch a long haul flight can not any longer connect. Best option for this would be a return of KLM or LH to feed via Amsterdam or Frankfurt. Only time will tell. There will be no quick fix but I'm pretty certain things will improve after the sale.