HM79 - thanks for setting the record straight and you are correct about the BA circumstances. In 30 years of safe flying in and out of NY (EWA and JFK), I have always been 'looked after' by NY TRACOM and the airports above, and in all weathers. The poster who described it as Lagos west obviously has not operated to Lagos very often!
I can't recall who coined the phrase but -
"If man does not learn from history, then he is bound to repeat it".
I'm sure the NTSB investigation will reinforce separation rules in use.