autothrottle -
as endorsed by nearly all the feedback - it is undoubtedly an excellent sysyem. On the (very) few occasions when it is a slight hinderance - ie during periods of staff shortages / waiting for stopbars to be lowered - it may well, to some degree, cause extra delays.
If BA are, indeed, questioning the merits of the system - it should be pointed out to them that - overall, it without doubt, expedites ground movements.
We all know finding our way around the manoevring area can be the hardest part of the flight. Whilst it shouldn't be taken for granted, or used as an excuse to let your guard down - it will certainly help the large number of pilots for which LHR isn't their main base. How many times have we dawdled round a large, unfamiliar afld - like an old dear in sainsbury's car park
- causing delay and frustration.
The 'delay beancounters' will obviously be unable to quantify this - and would be shortsighted to push for its withdrawl.