The reference to GNER is quite apt given they are one of the best operators in the UK, they are going the whole way to block a decision to allocate paths to a upstart called grand central. In doing so GNER won't be able to run extra trains as there franchise contract requires them to do. There is even a technical term for this in the business an ORCATS raid as the revenue is divided up such that a new operator can steal revenue from another without actually carrying a passenger but merely providing seats on the route
I've no problem if say Dublin Belfast was franchised out to a third party and run under a strict contract but I just can't see any benefit elsewhere it would be just way too confusing
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