Susan, I hope you get the info to make an informed choice but that info won't come from prune I'm afraid. You have to make your choice just as I made mine a number of years ago.
BTW its because Balpa members (including me and many other experienced Captains)were willing to take action that terms have improved for new joiners. management deserve some credit too.
If you do join then be committed to it keep your head low and work hard, you will succeed, oh and join Balpa then you can wreck revenge on all of us jack Captains !