Skippy, good points on having a based carrier, but MAN has connections now, as it always has. I preferred using MAN over LHR to go to GLA/EDi (not BA)when I lived in USA, too many lost bags going via LHR. Those connections at present are not the easiest, but could be. Flybe seems to have a large operation at MAN with a large amount of feed potential from the regions. The options for direct global flights from MAN seem to be expanding, so giving more connection options. Like I say opportunities, but the Management seem to be focusing on LHR and why it should not have another runway, when the whole world knows it needs two!!
MAN already has the momentum, it just needs a driver to take it forward.