I will be using Man-LGW again Friday, my brother lives in Kent & both me and GF use for business in SE, much easier than LHR even if we are in central London.
I think Virgin are making a big mistake taking on BA on LHR, which I think was a reaction to originally losing the West Coast Mainline Franchise. They would be better serving the business community on LGW, I just hope that somebody else sees the potential for this route, maybe Jet2 again.
On another note I feel that MAN is becoming a major player again. I find it interesting that HS2 rail will link London as a whole to the new rail station at MAN with no spur to LHR , possibly negating the need to expand LHR or new build, With Airport city, the A555 and tram completion I feel good times are ahead. This is good for business and the NW economy as a whole