BJJ,
No things have not changed. See the GEN section of the AIP.
Of course if one uses a UK / JAA licence with no photograph then one needs either a crew card or passport.
However, there is more to it than simple pasport. One can normally enter the country for up to 7 days on a layover without meeting the requirements for having a visa or leave to remain. That alone is very important for international crews.
The UK does not issue crew cards. It relies on the id cards issued by Airports and Airlines. Great way of getting round the requirement to have crew cards free of charge!
Regards,
DFC