Well having been sponsored by one of those dishonourable and immoral charter airlines –removes tongue from cheek - I must admit to being slightly irritated by some of the BA snobbery exhibited here, especially considering the warm welcome I have received even before having begun training.
BA are a company just like any other - out to make a profit. Company culture however is a very different matter and I can understand someone wanting to fly for a particular company but IF you are really serious about the flying part as opposed to some perceived prestige, it makes no sense to apply for BA and BA only. As has already been said, you can always join BA as a DEP if that's what flicks your switch and it's worth taking the pay cut in the long term. As for 'I want to be a part of something greater' ie. BA as opposed to anyone else - Oh please.....