Agreed! It also seems that IAG want to launch DUB as a hub to North America in the same way is IB Express want to to use MAD as a hub. This is IAG's get out clause of not having any flights from UK airports (apart from London airports). It also offers a cheaper option than UA or AA although pricing can change at anytime.
I need to go to IAD from BHX in the summer and all the booking engines offer EI flights via DUB as well as TK flights via IST!