Can't understand why this Norwegian rumour keeps cropping up. There were stories of based crew and 2 a/c at one stage. Is it possible something was a foot but they then changed their mind? As you say, the hard evidence is that all they've done is reduced frequencies at MAN and pulled LPL-CP.
Do I take it the the 4 new routes are all LGW? (Edit: I see from the Gatwick thread they are).
On the topic of rumours LAX LHR, is there any more indication Vueling might be considering MAN and other UK airports?