My understanding of Malta is that it is becoming / has become the new Ibiza so I was also surprised when it didn't make the 12, particularly as a destination for a weekend 'break' for a certain generation.
I don't get the impression there's a particularly poisonous relationship between MOL and Stobart, although if anyone knows any facts / gossip to counter that, I'd love to see them. I would imagine if FR are responding to any challenges at the moment then Jet2 would have moved to the top of their hit list.