2infinity,
I only fly it monthly, but factor in two family members, one who has done it weekly since 1983 and one other, like me monthly and we are talking the best part of 80 return trips a year betwixt three of us…
OK understood. Some definitions of "frequently" vary wildly depending on who you speak to. A family doing it 4 times a year would see that as a regular trip, whereas the chap commuting back and forth 3 or 4 times a week might see things a bit differently!
The last few weeks in particular have been very very bad.
My advice simply is:
Don't check bags
Fly to LGW if you have any alternative
Don't transit terminals in the peak times (0700-0900 and 1400-1500ish)
If you feel you can't abide by this advice, then you really should be looking at alternative airlines and airports.