Typical response that you get from BA at Manchester. Most there, I am sad to say, have been in the job too long and they seem to be jealous of other people travelling.
I flew BA last week on a European flight to Heathrow. I got to the airport with a non-flexible ticket and asked if it was possible to get on the earlier flight which was an hour late and was still in. The BA staff said certainly and couldn't have been more helpful.
Where possible I always try and avoid Manchester. Much prefer Liverpool.