I'm not clear on what basis an application to use LHR would be refused, subject of course to the overall cap on UK/China frequencies. Of course they would need to source slots, but a determined airline can usually pick them up. And who knows whether Delta/VS have found a use for all of Little Red's MAN-LHR slots, which are VS's own (ie not remedy slots) and which become available from the Summer 2015 season. Maybe VS will need to find a home for some of the slots (by selling or leasing).