I don't see it as "doom and gloom" and who knows what irons are in the fire with other operators within Western Europe; any number of whom could be candidates.
SEN should have its own controlled airspace in place by next summer, presumably with SIDs also promulgated, so I really don't see that it is disadvantaged regarding departures to southern European destinations viz a vis other LON airports.
Incidentally, the Jota 146-200 G-SMLA was delivered to SEN from MSE yesterday after carrying out its C of A airtest.