I was never aware of any crewing issues at MAN despite what the flying public may have been told. Therefore there were never any Belfast/Barbados choices to be made.
It may have been kept quiet to avoid 'it's not fair' issues in the crew room and possibly to avoid any union issues.
The crew were used - I think they all knew that but were willing participants not just because of the destinations but because it was an opportunity for long-haul flying.
I'll bow out now and allow the thread to go back on topic - perhaps a message from this 'diversion' is that there will always be people willing to accept whatever BA dishes out in exchange for the opportunity to work for them.