In fact lunchbox we agree "We, as pilots, are an expensive commodity-we are replaceable (given time and money)". Thats all I'm saying. What company wants to go through this expensive time consuming rigmarole?!
To be fair both BA and Virgin are hit and miss on service. Sometimes they are great and sometimes rubbish but the seat/product is the same. One is shiny and red and the other is blue and well.... british! Ultimately the same thou especially in cattle! Depends on who is working on the day.
I agree that a strike is damaging (and ultimately to the company that supports you) so you only do it if your requests are realistic and acceptable given industry standards. Now I'm out of my depth!!!