As to the long haul, training and command advantages there is a serious training backlog heading BA's way with the next seasons schedule already looking very, very busy.
As has been discussed before BA have and will change new entrant aircraft types dependant upon experience and necessity. I have a feeling that there will be a few DEP's directed toward the 744 as the senior bidders move across to either the 777 or the 787.
The X350 is also coming which will be an expansion fleet plus there has been alot of company traffic between London and Seattle. Read into that what you will.
BA need the flight crews, hopefully a less than enthusiastic reception to the current package might help in at least slowing if not halting the slide in T's & C's that the cheap labour markets seem to be demanding.