sheppey - I'm not quite sure where you have been for the last 20 years or so! What sort of experience do you think is normal for a young F/O joining a jet fleet? Check the hours BA F/Os have on their first line sector. Everything you say is correct and desirable but not real.
Since this has now been dredged up, please note the Captain had 7540 hours, with 7200 on the 737 and 2410 in command on it. The F/O 2730 total and 2308 on the 737. Overall an experienced Captain, would you say? Well over twice the normal minimum for jet command, even in major airlines. Even the F/O was no 'spring chicken'.
The avation system with which I am familiar is designed so that experience is gained from a low level with time. I consider 'starting' hours to be desirable but irrelevant.