In the not inconceivable scenario of bmi collapsing, being taken over by BA for it's slots, and the majority of the pilots being summarily dismissed, the sacked Midland pilots would have ample opportunity to evaluate just how much their hefty BALPA subscriptions over the years have benefitted them, as BALPA will ALWAYS totally support BA in whatever it decides to do, to the detriment of ALL others. Anyone who thinks otherwise is dreaming. BALPA will also fight BA pilots' corner effectively, with other individuals their record is patchy to say the least.
After BALPA abandoned them to their fate during the BA takeover, the sacked DANAIR pilots, of whom some 170 out of 300 formed their own action group to try to get some justice out of BA's illegal activities, would have greatly improved chances of restitution had the IPA/IPF been then the strength it is today. The DANAIR case was immeasurably stronger than the Cathay 49'ers but had only their own limited [unemployed] resources to fall back on. DANAIR had 90%+ of it's pilots in BALPA , and some had over 30 years membership in the worthless outfit. How much insurance would their total subscriptions have bought in the open market?
In this life people say 'you get what you pay for'. Not with BALPA you don't, [unless you actively enjoy subsidising mainline BA pilots' squabbles!] At least with the IPA/IPF the playing field is level, so my choice is automatic.