I think you have run slightly amok, there, NoD - I guess it's the heat
I was basically referring to AF who HAVE the 'data stream' as you put it with position (was it every 10 mins?) and it would be very simple to use this in an Ops Flightwatch system.
As to its 'value' - since it is already in use, what is the cost if it enables one recovery of living souls?
Wash my mouth with soap and water if you thought I was suggesting BA should spend some money on it. Indeed, not
even a suggestion that ALL LROPS airlines should HAVE to do it, just an idea.