Does anyone know if EI have actually applied to keep the slots currently assigned the VS Little Red?
Epsomdog might actually be on to something if looked at from another direction. EI take those slots and ultimately IAG get the go ahead with the buyout, BA could operate those services on behalf of EI freeing up their own slots for LHR expansion without affecting DUB-LHR frequencies. Kills two birds with one stone, frequency stays as is on BA's EDI/ABZ/MAN and the slots lost to VS effectively make their way back to BA.
Add to that some daily A330's when they are available on DUB/LHR which would free up another couple of slots. IAG/BA have a lot to gain without even needing to change EI in any way.