I've observed these BA><VS threads which arise from time to time and would like to add the following:
Good luck to the solo circumnavigation. RB as backup pilot? - Don't make me laugh!
Branson is a great opportunistic publicist and a successful businessman. King was, at one time, of enormous value to BA. I do not think that I would like to work directly for either.
I've flown as pax on VS and they were very good.
I have flown for a few air-taxi outfits and five airlines, one of which was BA.
There is no doubt in my mind, taking the whole airline ethos and package into account, which was the best to work for.
Which one? - British Airways.