Scottie
I believe the idea is the experienced DEPs are recruited to go straight onto the 777 (something to do with having the hours for the ATPL and hence the DEPs are able to do the "heavy" pilot/acting pilot in Command job on the long range sectors). BTW If you fancy some sport and want to open another can of worms you might want to ask why BA don't need/aren't recruiting DEPs direct onto the 747 as well...........
Stu/Diesel
IMHO you are spot on in your assessment.
Rgds all