I was really conscious of the fact that I hadn't reported the damage whilst still at LHR, hence my original question of whether it was worth my (and their) time even reporting it.
My suitcase wasn't a Delsey (I'd not used it on this occasion) or samsonite so I wasn't too concerned had my claim been unsuccessful, but full marks to BA and K2 for their customer service.
Yes I am sure that, as with most things in life, some buggers will indeed 'try it on' spoiling it for the rest of us who have a genuine claim, in my case (pardon the pun) the first one I have made In 20 yrs. Surely the airlines become wise to it and are (hopefully) able to spot a scam..?