Actually 45 minutes available...
From BA.com:
From 28 October 2007, British Airways has introduced a new minimum check-in time of 45 minutes for all flights departing from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports, with the aim of easing your journey through the airport and providing a consistent check-in time
I suspect part of Bealine's problem is the straight jacket the wizz bang computer systems impose on the front line staff. In the past I have several times arrived at an airport early and ticket desk staff have been able to "force" me onto an earlier flight which was just about to depart or running late. Not any more though!
It's this removal of traditional customer service which really annoys me; I can tolerate the security and crowded terminals, but when I really need help the staff can't really do anything.