Dear MaxMet,
I don't have the answer.
The only thing we know, is that Michael wrote a letter to Sir Branson, and unfortunately didn't recieve any response. Exept a letter from Virgin's top managment saying the airline will stay out of this situation of conflict.
We can understand that. Virgin operates many transatlantic routes, and don't have to take part in the debate.
Michael's story reminds me the case of these British planespotters in Greece, last summer.