There is no reason BA would want to close there franchise deals in relation to cost. The franchisee foots the bill for all its operations just like a regular airline. They are independant companies using, under licence, the BA name. BA benefit from this by having an extended route structure at no cost and the franchisee may well be required to use BA handling ground services.
Besides, back to BA Connect..... and thats because today is my very last day in the company so good bye and good luck to all my friends and former (at 17:00) colleagues.