Yorkshiretyke,
Did you not work for BA for very long then!
As I understand staff travel for retirees is that you keep your concessions for the same length of period that you worked for BA.
So if you retired at 60 and had worked for BA for 25 years you would keep your staff travel until you were 85, 35 years employment would mean you would keep them until 95 years old! It is only those that never worked for BA for very long that will lose them early.
I do agree that it is a shame this change has been done retrospectively but overall staff travel for retired staff is still a great thing to have been able to enjoy and still a great benefit. I am sad for you that due to your lack of service length you are being affected by this change. I think you are still able to take advantage of Hotline tickets though.
Good luck in your retirement