Hand,
Whilst I agree that BALPA didn't sell it very well and perhaps has 'glossed over ' a few negatives I think you are pushing too soon.
The company is over-borne with Airbus. Until some light is shed on what happens at Gatwick (i.e. Airbus to replace the 737) the company will have to try and pull down the number of Airbus from approx 135 back down to pre-merger levels.
This takes time. Overall, projecting over a 20-25 year period the time to command should improve. Remeber there are some in the company who went straight from 2 rings to 4 and some who waited 17 years +.
As with everything it's all a numbers and time game.