I think the battle about whether MME will pay it's way on pax alone (and the owners certainly think not) has been lost, so it needs to be looking to other sources of income.
The arguement now is whether the plans being put forward are the right one's, and whether they will lead to air services (or any aviation) activity being retained.
Personally, with the planned location of the proposed housing, I don't think Peel are serious about retaining regular airline services