I realise BHX maybe different to an extent, but lets take PIK for instance, how regular are arrivals ? Staff will not nip home for a brew because there is nothing due in for a couple of hours will they ? They'd probably appreciate something to fill the gaps. I'd say at MAN most are kept busy most of the day.
Don't get me wrong I agree with most you say, I have my own business and can't quite understand the willingness not to generate more revenue, or create relationships, and do feel more could be done with the space MAN has (creative parking), but on the other hand my company does a hell of a lot of business with all MAG airports, and I never get the feeling they are A) understaffed or B) don't know what they are doing, so can only conclude there must be good reason behind it.