I flew a variety of aircraft in a variety of crosswinds over the years and always tried to get in rather than have to divert.
I didn't scrape anything but must have been very close to it at times.
From the safety of retirement I have every sympathy for the guy that did nick a pod at LHR. I trust that his company will accept that pilots do their best in these conditions.
The alternative is to divert anytime the gusts look even slightly above the limit (say just once in the last fifteen minutes).
No one wants that.