Pininstauld, you are absoloutely correct about the internal politics of airlines and in particular BA. However you forgot to mention Sir Colin Marshall in your list of inspirational leaders. He was the 'cultural architect' who really started the shift away from the civil service mentality of BEA/BOAC. Sadly the 'politicians' now seem to rule the roost once again.
I think we all know of individuals who having proved their incompetence at one airline crop up at another, where it is no surprise that they once again display an predictable lack of ability. The old boy network ensures that there is always another politician offering patronage to one of his mates.
This is probably why new start-ups are always successful for the first few years, only people of ability count and can achieve success. Give it time and the old boy network will come into play.