...a simple phonecall can solve all sorts of website anomilies....
The day one can accomplish a simple phone call that doesn't leave you wishing carnage upon the call centre will be a day long remembered.
As for the prestige of Sydney, well Auckland, Melbourne, Perth et al went the way of the dodo and I see no reason why SYD should differ. BA are commercially astute enough to focus on strengths and forget the glory days of Empire. Leave Sydney to Emirates, it's a better option for most UK residents.