I edited the item I originally put up here a few minutes ago as I received a third reply from BA within a moment of pushing the "post" button.

BA has now come back (albeit at a glacial pace) and offered an appropriate apology, as well as a partial refund and some token compensation. I will consider the matter closed. I also will not reproduce any of the correspondence that led to this result, as it is a tedious exchange.

The only issue is now I have sampled VS' J product, with limo service, and may like it better.