NSF,
I understand what you're saying, but I think you make quite a few assumptions that might be true for you, but not necessarily for everyone:
I've never felt I hadn't "made it" if I didn't get to fly for a national airline. I just fancied a choice of SH and LH over my carreer, and a "good" company to achieve that. I'm not married to BA: they provide what I want, and I provide what they want (well so far anyway
)
5/4/5/3 is not a godsend for every aviator, it was one of my main reasons for leaving EZY
Your argument that the pace of SH in BA is probably similar to EZY might be true, but you have the opportunity to change fleets to a lifestyle that does suit you. If you change your mind or your personal circumstances change you change fleets again. That's the upside.
You are undoubtedly a capable, competent guy - you do not have to prove that by going to BA
I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, but I find that very condescending. This guy isn't trying to impress his mates, he's just trying to make an informed decision
I do agree with you that it's a very important decision. And even a SH command will take an eternity. But a command is not the holy grail for everyone either.
Just my thoughts, and no, I don't do BA recruitment