The rise in AOC charges have been in effect for over a year. The consultation process started in november 2005. Has nothing to do with BA refusing to pay. In the old scheme aircraft under 15t hardly got charged anything, that has now been brought in line with aircraft over 15t.
The expense of doing business in Europe.
The increases are across the board so there is no commercial disadvantage of one operator over another unless of course you fly illegal charters on an N-reg. That's why the CAA is clamping down on N-reg operators, at the request of the G-reg guys to elimate unfair commercial advantages.
I don't like the extra charge but have to live with it. Just pass on the cost to the punter.