I'm not sure about that..... I was a clapper loader, focus puller and then underwater camera operator on many jobs for the BBC and always got a credit.
Doesn't a camera operator have some input into the programme quality? So of course you got a credit in the olden days! More than a production accountant anyway and they seem to be the ones who get credits now!
I do have inside knowledge of the machinations and mindset of the Beeb BTW!!
Cheers
Whirls