As an outsider I do feel that the whole 'fighting for survival' was just smoke and mirrors to get rid of a union. I also have the feeling that Mr Walsh picked a fight thinking he'd win quite easily. How wrong he has been.
At the time I believe the market situation justified that statement and, aviation being the fickle business it is influenced by so many outside forces, only 20:20 hindsight and the subsequent market upturn allows us to think that it was disingenuous.
I do not believe that it is in BA's interest to get rid of the union but agree the 'long game' is to get a more appropriate power balance as to who manages BA.