Very good post RHS..
And I'll second the "I'll say it, some very decent, fair managers."
I have a son with special needs and have needed some support twice in 18 months for my son and my fleet manager could not have been more supportive or helpful, i can literally pick the phone up and call him which is a big plus. If you have a genuine problem i think BA are very good indeed, in my experience anyway.
Being such a big organisation the problem can be knowing who to call!!
And if you don't like being away from home BA is definitely not for you!