Regarding the additional seating in Y class B777's, at one time as I recall a couple of examples boasted the extra seat/row. I believe it was removed because of pax complaints.
Unfortunately BA is merely following where others lead the way. Corporate answer for pax, I guess would be choose Club / First options. The pay quoted here has been improved on, the issue is, about 2000-3000 enquires per month to join BA CC it is unlikely that pay / conditions will improve much, while so many are keen to fly irrespective of emoluments.
MF CC demise is no different to many employees relatively poor conditions in UK PLC and what chance is there for any improvement ?
I sympathise with them and also the difficult situation for Legacy crews.