Well, to be honest, even if it does beat Manchester, it's not an issue, as it's about where the airline is now, not where it started years ago.
It's a bit like when Dubliners claimed that DUB was Emirates most successful launch due to how quickly they went 2 daily (claiming it was better than MAN's launch, not sure why they singled MAN out?), but it's worth remembering MAN was launched when EK was a completely different airline it is today, and only had a handful of aircraft. It also doesn't alter the fact DUB has remained 2 daily B777 but MAN will soon be 3 daily A380). Slightly off topic I know, but illustrates my point that it's not how you arrived, but where you are now.
The thing is, MAN can take heart in knowing it will be the airlines first base for their widebody expansion. That's a nice accolade to have, and as STN is a MAG airport, I wish them well!