I think the throwaway line 'it takes a year to get an ATPL' and all this comparisons with GPs etc is totally meaningless.
The point of the thread is surely that BA terms and conditions are considered by some at least to have some influence on the rest of the industry. There are over 3500 of us in one group.
Well that's me - you are an engineer I believe; you are stirring the pot here and you well know it. Why the obsessive interest in our T's & C's? Why not look to contribute something useful to other forums?