Hand solo refers to pilots employed after signing a contract pre September 11th but who started after it. These guys had fleet switches, it has not happened since. Bear in mind Virgin sacked regular line pilots after 9/11 while BA honored contracts of those who had signed but not been actually taken on before it.
Both are good companies and things change on each fleet in each company quickly. For my money a commuter right now would be best on a Virgin 340, a BA 744, a Virgin 744 and a BA 777 in that order but ask me again in the winter season or even next year and it will probably be different.
As for up to 5 reports on the 777 hand solo, try 7 (and it only just makes CAP) but then you can get away with 4 too...