Yep, that's totally different. And as BA have given you discretion before, it has gone beyond a what the rules say question, you need guidance from them.

Were they necessary in your previous year for qualifing flights purposes, or for TP purposes.
If necessary for qualifing flights purposes, then I think logically you should be expected to do 4 new ones.
If it was for TP purposes, then... it is arguable. But BA gave discretion before, expecting 4 more sectors is not that unreasonable, unless - again - you will have them coming up immediately afterwards. But then I'd try and get 4 safe ones in.