Are BA deliberately now trying to annoy their Silver members?

An email has just arrived saying that as a Silver member, I can now choose an exit row.

Great I thought, they've reversed that stupid policy. No such luck, it's just informing me that I can pay £50 for the privilege.

It's worded as though this is a new "benefit" for Silver members. They should reword it "Unfortunately, you now have to pay £50 for something you used to get for free".

Grrrrrrrr.

Cheers,
Rick