Monty,
I apreciate JY can't do anything if the airline changes the timings.
However to me even the origional flight time of 16-40 is too late, if everything goes well people would arrive at the hotel i suspect around 9pm.
Their are lots of flights travelling across the pond and where possible on trips i do i would like to arrive at my hotel mid-afternoon, gives you time to have a rest, freshen up, explore area near hotel and more importantly go out for a nice meal. It is part of the holiday in my opinion.
If travelling long haul and coming from up north i tend to stay over at the airport night before, would much rather be travelling and get to the destination than hanging around at heathrow or gatwick.
Flight times departing late morning or very early afternoon makes most sense, there are connecting flights from most UK airports to catch these for those happy travelling down in the morning.
Just my opinion as i want to make the most out of my holidays and not waste a full day.
Mick