Thanks for the comments, I stand corrected with regard to non-USA / Canada Ch11. However, many of the other carriers mentioned are not exactly flushed with funds or enovation.
Without going into detail several of them have state support and would operate at a loss. Others are responding to the large numbers of immigrants within the relevant connibation.
I am in no way trying to put the likes of MAN / BHX down but I still see BA's decision as sound not to expand from the regions. As previouely stated BA will have to reduce its pay / allowances / ground costs before it can seriously expand the regional routes.
This is reflected in the present choice of a/c which cannot hope to compete with Airbus / B737 competition to and from Europe so long term you might question BAs' commitment to these stations.