LTN has an appalling reputation, STN is trying hard to catch up with them, yet they keep growing at levels that at times seem staggering. Personally, I think it's just down to the fact that operators see those airports as having a much greater chance of success for their own expansion plans than SEN, which will be regarded as being a higher risk for limited return.
But none of the above means that the airport should abandon its efforts in trying to be a cut above the rest, nor should they be modest about their achievements. But unfortunately, all the pluses have failed to bring the growth that seems to come all so easily elsewhere.
I still think there's hope.