BA skipper pay is 25% more than FO grade. After tax prob no more than £600-700 month for basic grade captains.
Most long haul FOs have 10-15 years min seniority . They are used to their pay grade and position . The are not ambitious and have no desire to sacrifice lifestyle for hammering around europe in the hissing rain . And all those communities to LHR.
If you are ambiguous for command , then nows the time to apply. Wether you make it to the pool only god will know.