The reason you didn't get the mainline access that you clearly so desperately wanted, was because you, (or your CC) weren't prepared to stand on your own two feet, and demand it!
Why is it that even with overwhelming support, and the threat of a damaging strike, the SAME organisation, can't secure access for OS pilots???
Am I missing something here? Are the airframes being removed from BA mainline use, thus denying BA mainline pilots work on existing routes? If not, why not let the OS pilots "stand on their own two feet and demand it" too, if that's what they decide they want?