I find that where you are dealing with BA check in staff, they are very good. The majority of the sub contracted handling agent ones vary from poor to downright cr*p - not sure if Sydney is sub contracted, but they were good. I've even had to argue to get into the lounge at Geneva when travelling Club Europe with a Gold Card!
Phoenix, Arizona, I find outstanding - so is the security operation in politeness and efficiency and genuine helpfulness. Boston they can't count - argued that we didn't have enough Gold Cards for two guests in the First Class lounge. Two Gold Cards - two guests - where's the problem?