Don't know how that's classed as arrogance.
Anyhow, the backup plan is operating to the US via the UK regional hubs. Think they already had the rights to MAN-USA before they announced MXP-JFK.
There's no local competition either, only US carriers flying the routes - so they can just call it a 'mini hub' and claim to be investing in the local economy in the UK regions.
Watch this space.