On-MarkBob,
The same arguments you've stated were used by many in easyJet as an excuse not to join BALPA.
However BALPA is only as good as its members because the company council is comprised of members. I'm not saying BALPA is perfect, far from it.
People slate BALPA but all you're slating are the individual contributions that members make to try and improve the conditions for all.
You need access to legal information and a host of other things when conducting negotiations, representing members on disciplinary matters etc which you get through your subs with BALPA. A small company like GSM with only a couple of hundred members would soon have it's budget spent if you do things on your own.
I've been in a previous company with a Flight Crew Council who achieved the square root of naff all. Not because the FCC didn't try, just that the company ignored them. Unless you can back up your discussions with a strike threat you won't be taken seriously.
Food for thought.