Locksmith,
I am sure it did not originate from the BMAA, as they would have nothing at all to gain from such a rumour. From what I can recall it was first mentioned to me some months ago by a fairly prominent PFA member. More recently it was mentioned to me again, from several different sources within the PFA, but all telling the same story, which is pretty much as JBQC reported on 22nd April.
Thankfully PFA official policy now seems clear, so I think it perhaps best if we put this issue to one side and get back to aviating.