If you are a UK member, you do not have to suffer the BA Exec Club. Go and enroll in AAdvantage (or UA MP if you fly BD mostly). They are open to international members outside of the US, award miles on more fares and they are worth it. FVrankly I am surprised so many people suffer BA Exec Club!

I have just booked a round-trip business class flight to New Zealand with UA. No hassles, no blackouts or restrictions - definitely worth it given the $6000 prcie for an actual full fare ticket.