new_nigel
Just after I joined BA during the DEP rush of the late 80s/early 90s my chief pilot told me " you'll get a widebody command in about 7 years" - sound familiar?..... well times and fleets changed and in reality the first time I was eligible for a widebody command was more like 14 years.
As others have pointed out there's going to be no massive Longhaul expansion at LHR - no slots, no space and no money and the possible change in age legislation could stall the whole game of musical chairs for at least five years. No doubt there will be equipment changes ( ? more 777s for 744s) at some point but I reckon Command numbers will stay essentially the same.
OTOH you're in now - enjoy the Right Hand Seat, it ain't all bad and I hope you maintain your sense of optimism - you'll need it.
Rgds