What is the difference between long haul crew and short haul crews? I thought they worked together regardless of routes. (Some short haul crews can fly long haul routes on the 767). What makes you think you could be barely tolerated by long haul crew? What did they do that was so awful?
The route that I was flying in 2000 was in a 744, the service felt very 'shut up and take what you're given'. It felt very abrupt and rude. Ok, that was in Y, but it left a lasting impression. While in Africa I was happy (very happy) to fly with Comair (BA), which is why I was very disappointed by the longhaul service.
The short-haul service I've had since 2004 has been sterling, hence my selecting BA as the preferred airline for EU flights. Occasionally, other national carriers have better connections, but usually BA wins out on price, schedule, and courtesy on board and check-in. If VS were to start regional services (I never got to try TV before they merged with SN), I'd try them too and perhaps switch.
Sorry if I wasn't clear the first time round.
S.