The person who was complaining about lack of flexibility on BA's part was someone who, although having missed a flight before because of turning up too late at the airport, did the same again.
It was a complete coincidence. I took many flights in between that which I never missed. I had plenty of time, but was delayed en route to the airport both times. Nothing to do with timekeeping, I was just unlucky. When this happened to me last time I missed the flight by 7 minutes.
As it happens, I tend to think that BA has been rather generous to people who miss their flights in reaccommodating them on the next flight. If things have got more strict, then that's because the economic conditions require it.
Yes, upon reflection I think BA should have been strict from the start. That way I would not have been disappointed the 2nd time!