An excellent post Blackred, we are singing from the same hymn sheet.
TRSS, I hear what you are saying and:
the poor folks who were floating in the now dried up holding pools will NEVER catch up with their peers who joined Ryanair in terms of earning capacity.
is a very interesting and questionably true statement. But the guys and girls floating in the BA, Easyjet etc holdpools probably wouldn't be selected and probably, in general, wouldn't pay for the TR.
and and 10 years in the LHS with FR over 10 years in the RHS with BA is a no brainer!
Something to think about there again, I just don't know, if I had the two opportunities offered to me, cost aside, I am almost certain I'd take the BA option. But I can't help but think long term.
Thanks for your objective and valid response though TRSS.