T5 and T2 are pretty good and certainly much much nicer and more user-friendly than either T1 or T3 at Manchester.
So half the airport terminals are OK, the other half T3 and T4 are not so OK. Overall, an OK airport, not really good enough for our supposed UK 'hub'.
A lot of the arguments above that are supposed to be against expansion at LHR are actually arguments for it.
Same can be said for expansion at LGW, all bias and subjective!
APD has been around for ages and has slowed the rate of growth but it's not reasonable to go as far as you suggest.
You'll be surprised. I have several friends who I am fortunate enough to use their staff travel including several major long haul carriers and one loco. LHR APD on stand by fares is at least DOUBLE that of MAN, EDI, CDG, AMS, GVA and FRA.