Ha ha ha. "This outfit"
Seat selection is free at online check-in, free for status passengers.
Food is included in CE which I would guess you will be in on the domestic also ? If so you will get lounge access at MAN and LHR.
The T5 to 3 transfer isn't too bad but is because T5 is already full and BA have no option but to run some services ex T3
None of this information is hidden from customers as far as I'm aware. Certainly lounge wise you shouldn't notice much difference as the actual offering should be identical.
cs