People who took the ERVS packages may well have been told they would get staff travel for life, but it aint worth a pinch if its not in writing, but then it can never be in writing because its not part of a contract, its a concession.
I've just got my staff travel back for the next 11 years or so, which is great as I am only 36 with 2 young kids. I've been paying full fare for the last 7 years so every little helps.
I know of quite a few cabin crew who got pensioned off due to "duty related illness" and were expecting to have staff travel for ever, and now will lose it in 5yrs or so but hey ho, it was never guaranteed. Maybe they can flash the cash and buy a ticket on BA.com after all its only 10% more expensive than hotline ;-)