Hello
Going back to your original question, Blue Tits did suffer somewhat due to the bad winters of late in some areas.
If where you live wasn’t that affected by the bad weather, then I say carry on putting the food out, if it was they’ll be back for sure.
Why? I started and continue to put Nuts, Fat Balls, Fat Cakes, Mixed Seeds etc out a few years ago now and have seen many species increase year on year in my garden, its great! I can’t claim the whole success for myself as many neighbours are doing the same thing.
So do what you are doing and I’m sure the Blue Tits and everything feathered will arrive more often. (Niger, Nyger or Nyjer seed, PC spelling evidently. Black Thistle Seed basically will bring Goldfinches in like crazy once they find it)
To keep Starlings from taking the lions share may I suggest you push the fat balls into a Nut Feeders, use cheap one and put them in less open areas and yes scare um’ off.
Put food on the ground under a piece on aviary wire pegged down with a couple of tent pegs – Put Wholemeal Bread, fruit (Halved Apples & Pears) etc. This will stop the snatch & grab scenario & ducks – It also means you get to see birds that usually pull stuff into the flower beds or carry it off feed (Blackbirds, Coots or whatever)
Bird Tables are a free for all – Nice but often over too quickly sometimes.
Buy bulk feed; the more the cheaper; check online but, the chances are somebody close has it cheaper than the various firms that sell online including the RSPB when you weigh
up the P&P or courier.
Pet Warehouses are worth a try – I have found for years that Poundstretcher are cheapest for Fatballs, Bird Boxes & Cheap Feeders.
I’ve gone on a bit here – Hope it’s helpful
Best of luck and take care - swotty