Globaliser
Should we then assume that you would not mind flying with a 26" seat pitch because according to you that would make your flight around 30% cheaper. Do you really honestly believe those cost savings would be passed on to you??? If so, you are extremely naive.
In terms of BA seat pitch (although a similar scenario is being seen with other airlines), the point is not so much whether you can avoid the 30" seats (I thought you wouldn't mind?), it is more the fact that someone will have to sit on them - and like I said many charter operators offer a similar seat pitch. on long haul, most actually offer a better seat pitch, for example 34" on firstchoice airlines long haul. In the USA, Jet blue offer 34" pitch - and they are a so called budget airline. US Airways offer 34" pitch long haul in economy from the UK. Many other airlines in the USA offer a minimum of 32", so BA is drifting far off the mark (despite what marketing hype may say)
You sarcastically suggest "no answers then?", but I have already stated what I believe. I guess judging by the way you are jumping to the outright defence of BA, that there is much more to your connections with aviation than you let on.
Please Show me just one shred of real (not pseudo- theoretical nonsense worked out on the back of a fag packet) evidence that your seat on BA is 10% cheaper because the seats are two inches closer together. It is not such a simple calculation that you imply. Or is it just that you believe everything BA tells you?
The reality is that reducing seat pitch is a means whereby airlines maximise profits, it does not reduce the fare YOU pay. If you really believe it does reduce fares, then more fool you.
Whilst 31" is fine for you, to many people it is extremely uncomfortable, and they have not got the money to upgrade as far as premium economy or business, all they want is 2-3 inches back. That is the point being made.
Stop believing all the hype.