Its all a very simplistic view of rail franchising, bidders do not put in a single bit but a selection of bids based around a selection of pre definded variables in the franchsing documents and the Dft will then pick from a list of invited bidders and a selection of bids from them based around differing criteria.
The Dft set some criteria that couldnt be met, and the bidders were obliged to put in bids based around what was requested, the Dft picked the bid they wanted with the selection criteria they wanted.
It could be argued that if the criteria could not be met why was the bidder (First) so daft as to put in a bid, except the rules state they have to.
What is becoming obvious is that First group are running a franchise they may or may not have known was impossible to run, the Dft is not being flexible in seeing that the franchise is not working and FGW are resorting to last option measures and getting wrapped over the knuckles for it.
They need Dft permission to obtain extra stock, which there franchise terms dictate and they are not being given this to alleviate any of the problems that they have.
FGW may have its problems and as the operator it is the easy to blame the operator. The press, passengers and casual observers start to blame First for the problems as they are the people who have there name besides everything that is going wring and the Dft are forced to act upon a failing franchise giving the operator a wrap over the knuckles is politically popular, whilst allowing the franchise terms to be amended and extra stock obtained is an admission of failure on there part.
FGW are stuck in an impossible position where until the leash is loosened and they are allowed to run a railway company themselves things wont get better and the critism will get worse.
This is still an outsiders logical perspective of what is going on, but I just find it illogical to lay all of the blame at Firsts feet, given the situation they find themselves in