Don't want to add fuel onto the fire etc but surely the statement BA only recruit the best is slightly arrogant and degrading to those who gain sponsorships with other airlines, or go it self funded. At the end of the day all pilots share the same skies, and not everyone can work for BA.
Before I get spammed for being a BA "reject", I have never applied to BA but will be doing so in the future, as well as other airline sponsorships etc.
British Airways recruit those that they feel match their criteria.
Other airlines (that offer sponsorship) recruit those that match their criteria, ie some people who got into BA might not get through their schemes, as the recruiters feel that they don't satisfy "their company ethos".
Lets get over the NANANANAAAAA stage and treat all those ATPL holders with equal respect, regardless of the route that they took.
Flying schools in my opinion don't help this worrying trend. Reports have been placed on this site about OATS giving preferential treatment to sponsored cadets. Why I honestly don't know, and more importantly why they get away with it is another question.
Wannabes out there want to make it, 10 years down the line when those that have made it will the BA sponsored/self sponsored debate continue or would pilots from all airlines treat each other with the respect that they would give to their own colleagues.
Flame away if u want, but I believe in encouragement rather than "We r considerably better than u"
Good luck to everyone
Sagey