I'm afraid this thread is being hijacked by some idiots for their own grievances in their company. Please don't turn this into a diatribe about BA, there are plenty of threads going where you can whine about your company dynamics, or lack of.
Back to the question above I get the impression that there is quite a positive mood in VA towards the PPU. The numbers signing up should get close to half the pilot workforce fairly quickly - well hopefully , of course it depends how many put their money where their mouth is. The dissatisfaction with BALPA in the company is palpable and that is the route cause of this new venture.
I've been a member of BALPA in several companies and it has never been to my benefit, so it's time for change. I've already signed up !