I know someone who was in BA at the time and was involved in the committee formed to advise the board on the 748 replacement. Under consideration were the ATR42, Fokker50 and the ATP, and the committee were unanimous in recommending them, in that order.
"That's it then" said my friend "wheels within wheels, funny handshakes all round and I'll bet we end up with the b---dy ATP!"
"Oh ----, how could you be so cynical!" said the chairman.
Look what happened ...