Orion Man
BA is not what it was,that's a very true statement,it was a state owned airline with limitless funds to waste!
Regarding the 450 or should i say 476 which is the true figure this is the refined figure after rejecting the Too old or unsuitable,i would say 476 is a "is an overwhelming success " and so would the majority out there.
A 4 or 5 to 1 selection criteria says loads to me and i have to say its reassuring to see that many people still believe BA is the top job to have,be honest with yourself if this was a real business 10% of the pilots pool would be a natural turnover not retirements.