Seems to me that if HMG effectivly gave the airframes to BA, that if they no longer have any need for them they should give them back. HMG would then be able to give them to any one else that wants them. Virgin for trans Atlantic, Air 2000 for supersonic charters and joy rides (company news paper 1 April 2002) or, heaven forbid, the RAF, so Blair can go to see his mate and be back in time for tea. I do also remember an artical years ago suggesting that it would make a good bomber. So why not make it an MPA? It's got four engines and its newer than the Comet!
To be serious though, it would be a crying shame to think that the only craft left with four Olympus engines by the end of the year will be aircraft carriers.