I'm just the opposite. I have MAN 2 miles down the road...all journeys start there for us, always have and always will. There really is no amount of saving (within reason) would see me use LBA, or LPL come to that.
I must admit though when flying into MAN I do see folk from all over...my over riding thought is "poor sods"...I'll be home by time you reach the M60...it must be horrible having a long road / rail trip after a flight...but more people must do it than I think. I'm ever so glad I live so close, despite not being able to hear the TV every 5 mins when a/c arrive !