OFDM (operational flight data monitoring) or whichever name companies call it, is , I believe, mandatory under JAR/EASA these days, & not just a BA thing, although I believe they were certainly one of the first to introduce it.
Certainly all companies of the European persuasion I have flown for recently have it.
Wholly agree with your assessment , if used wisely & in a non-punitive way it is a major + in ensuring compliance within sensible guidelines.
You may "know" it will be OK, but the need to subsequently justify it in the cold light of day, has the desired effect of making you think twice.