The "pilot withdrawl" story is the invention of a poisoned mind.
And the next question is: why invent the story?
At best the BASSA Rep misunderstood BALPA's stance on the use of pilot volunteers on recent recovery flights to/from the Far East..I know BALPA have contacted BASSA over this and if it was a misunderstanding I'm sure BASSA will be issuing a correction
At worse some of the BASSA Reps are carrying out a scorched Earth policy, hoping to leave the working relationship between Flight Crew and Cabin Crew completely in tatters before the door slams behind them.
I know which explanation I think is the most likely...