Shed, I agree completely with you over Manchester's place in the UK Aviation scene. My comments were aimed at some of the other contributors within the M60 who do see Manchester as the answer.
At the end of the day, Heathrow is the only show in town with regards to increasing runway capacity in the South East. Regardless of cost, the environment, infrastructure, nimby's etx, the decision will be based on politics rather than other concerns.
To expand Heathrow is to send a message to the world that Britain is open for business after Brexit. It ties in with the political mantra of the day. Large infrastructure projects in the UK will send a powerful message.