Balpa are a disgrace and have allowed untold scandals to occur to the pilot community in the UK over the last 10 years. 30k for a type rating? 50% pay during training? Dwindling Ts + Cs, part time contracts, contractors receiving more money and bonuses ahead of full time staff etc etc. But the problem is..... we are all Balpa, and as such, we are a disgrace. Look at Balpa's recent cave in against Flybe management for example, all allowed by selfish pilots who don't have the intelligence or self respect to look after their own futures. Yet like you said they are quick to email about what next years crew food portfolio might contain... (I'm gonna guess some form of sandwich)
Balpa are simply a reflection of their members: weak