LTN has issues and I'm sure no one will pretend it hasn't!
However, I flew from STN a week or so ago and that was far from a pleasant experience. Lots of cordons and temporary walkways in the departure area. Once finally past security for an early morning departure, hordes of passengers crammed the in the retail area waiting the announcement of departure gates. Yes, LTN has currently has similar problems but there are plenty of tatty areas at STN too.....Its easy to forget the original part of the terminal and concourses are 23 years old!