Anthony Carn, I really find your last post quite offensive. I am a "Nigel", and although there is a minority who have led sheltered and blessed flying careers, the vast majority of my colleagues are down to earth, and hard working.
I'm disappointed by what has gone on at BA, but to look on the positive side it is better that the views of the pilot workforce are represented within management by someone who is obviously articulate and capable.
We don't live on another planet, but use this forum to communicate with some others whom we wish did. As the other posts have shown, this problem is not unique to BA - so why turn it into an opportunity to Nigel bash?
I thought we were professionals?