Thanks for all the comments. Interesting points to ponder.
Still not sure I'll get value for money, but its seems that I'm expecting too much from BALPA. I was hoping they were taking a more long term view, but that is obviously not the case. However it seems that BALPA succeed at getting some terms and conditions sorted.
I wonder if BALPA is more successful with some employers than others. Do BALPA have a better relationship with Scotia than Bond or Bristow?