To be fair, it was reported that MH was ready back in Nov 2012 but delayed their entry until the peak holiday season ends thus Feb 1. So 18 months exactly.
They also quoted 'administrative reasons', which suggests they weren't completely ready, it is an administrative process after all. Alternatively, perhaps they were genuinely surprised that the northern European Winter/Christmas holidays was going to be a busy time..?
MH used to aspire to SQ and CX, but they are quite third tier, falling below TG service standards.