I know nothing of the plans for DEPs onto the A380, but BA did certainly ask for volunteers to be cruise only pilots on the A380 a fair while back. These volunteers were fully trained as normal line pilots; they simply needed simulator details for their recency because they were not obtaining landings on the line. I do not know the reason why they would require cruise only pilots now though because we are only one hull below the maximum planned. Volunteers were paid their ordinary salaries as far as I am aware.