Mixture, such procedures would be used at Terminals which are used by more than one airline. While single airline Terminals, such as T5, would likely use similar rules (why reinvent the wheel) I'm sure they have certain processes that override the standards.
Such as scanning of all PNRs on in/outbound flights to ensure that I personally are given the worst possible combination of gates/stands for my connection.
Just because you are paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't out to get you. (BA and I don't go well together)