rn750
You're right, BA is effectively "LA", but really, unless for political / patriotic reasons you absolutely want to fly with the "national carrier" the lack of a BA presence at BHX I really don't think has been all that detrimental.
Seems to me that Star Alliance (being Lufthansa and Swiss) offer a more than acceptable alternative through hubs at DUS, FRA , MUC and ZRH, and surely the flight and transfer at a comfortable, efficient european hub (OK so rule FRA out on that score!) is infinitely preferable than the drive to London and travel through the third world airport that is LHR!