Bealine
You are quite right in what you say about variables and I had tried to factor that into my thinking.
I just wish that BA would sort out the exec club in line with the reality that most companies (i.e. my clients) use economy around Europe and their specialist departments or travel agents take advantage of special deals from airline sales depts that do not gain many (if any) points with BA.
The problem is that other airlines do give credit for M or N flights and thus, whilst I think BA is the most consistent airline in Europe, from a service angle, my business is driven elsewhere.
CSA have upgraded me on every sector, without exception, ever since I logged 15 Skyteam sectors (I did most of that on Air France & Alitalia) and that is regardless of the ticket cost.
Therefore, when flying to NYC and onwards, I buy a J class fare with them or Delta.
I only did 2 north atlantic sectors with BA last year, both in a premium cabin and this was because the timetable worked in specific circumstances.
So BA lost out on 6 full fare, J sectors with me last year and probably about 45-50 euro sectors at naff prices... but how does this really make commercial sense when the marketing team are spending a fortunre to advertise Nice for £69?
It really is time that someone reviewed the Executive Club - I'm not bothered about upgrades particularly, since BA mainline and EOG short haulers are comfortable in Traveller, but lounge access and Club checkn in would make the difference.
I spend £250 PA on a priority pass card - in fact, perhaps it is time to consider going back to the 1970s and charging a small fee for people without anough tier points.
That would bring me back to BA, but until then I'm sticking with the airline that puts itself out to look after me and that's CSA.