I had a hunch that this is the sort of offer they might make, and in all honesty it would be a perfectly reasonable one - in most circumstances.

However ..... as mentioned, I chose specifically to fly from LGW, and on a 777.

I am very limited in terms of date changes. I cannot delay my departure and whilst I could possibly bring it forward by a day, that would cause complications & added cost in terms of accommodation in DXB.

And if I switch to a different flight but still out of LGW, then I guess there's every likelihood of the same thing happening again ......?