After my boss say's (in effect) "just leave then, you are replaceable/won't be missed" - and in the next breath say's "you are the best in the world"
How two faced can you get ?
Your paraphrasing does the original text no justice.
In his letter, Branson was talking about the comparisons between Virgin and BA, and then went on to say "For some of you more pay than Virgin Atlantic can afford may be critical to your lifestyle and if that is the case you should consider working elsewhere" - he was clearly referring to those that where calling for comparable wages with British Airways. That, as has been discussed here at length, completely unaffordable for Virgin.
His comments in the press release calling crew the best in the world are not incompatible with his letter. In fact, he said in the letter "Virgin Atlantic has survived against all these giants (TWA, Pan Am, et al) thanks largely to the attitude and hard work of its staff - by everyone working well together, by ensuring that we are the best airline flying"
Twisting the facts is unwise where the audience is so familiar with the first edition.