FFMAN, you are not alone I assure you.
A few years ago, we flew LHR-SFO in Economy (extra legroom seats) and SFO-LHR in PE on BA747s The next year it was MAN-MCO and MCO-MAN in Econ and PE on the VS 747.
OK, it wasn't LGW or the 772 beach fleet, but however old the aircraft were, we found the experience on Virgin was far more enjoyable. It would take a very big price differential or free upgrade to persuade me to drive all the way to Heathrow or Gatwick, probably with an overnight hotel, to catch a flight if the destination was available from MAN (20 minutes drive) or even with an option to change in the US.
I've not used them yet but several reports also suggest that TCX's premium offering is very decent for TATL from MAN and at a decent price.
Still, I'm sure BA are grateful for Turin's business and the government for the extra fuel tax they collect for the 400 mile round trip.