The post you are reporting:
Gary - that does seem to be the top and bottom of it
There were 3 options for this
The first would be to upgrade the existing line, signalling etc, run longer services etc - probably the cheapest, least disruption to communities along the route, maximum disruption to travellers whilst the work is ongoing. Perhaps most importantly not sexy, no one will remember you for doing it and doesnt make lots of people lots of money.
The second was to build a new line from Euston/St Pancras to Heathrow (interchange with Great Western, Crossrail} and then follow the existing M40 route into Birmingham and then the M6 to Manchester. Improved connections, doesnt impact existing Birmingham - London services, minimum impact to travelling public, limited impact to communities along the route.
The third was the scheme they chose, which misses Heathrow out entirely, slices through huge swathes of the Chilterns, impacts existing services significantly, but of course makes a name for Justine Greening, makes lots of construction companies, consultants etc money.