I for one would have strongly recommended that decision and would have needed a very strong argument from Ops to avoid implementing it
Here is a constructive opinion.
When you say "de-plane the PAX and bags in LHR and ferry the aircraft to LGW", how much time REALLY did they have ahead? Was there a departure slot at the right time?
Fractional, what 'refresher' might that be then?
Recurrent?! CRMs?! CRMs may also mean Company ........