It sounds like it was technically within the rules but I see where the lounge receptionist was coming from.

You were trying to bring two guests in by putting another passenger on the spot and getting him to enable one of your guests to come into the lounge because you were only entitled to bring one. I think it's a bit rude to impose on another passenger that way.

I really do not think it was reasonable to ask a stranger to bring your extra guest in. It's one thing if they offered without being asked but to put a stranger on the spot is completely another.

Soliciting favour from other people, putting them on the spot, surely cannot be encouraged by BA?
I would be quite upset with BA if they condoned this behaviour and it becomes common to be asked by a stranger to help to bring their guest in while I am waiting to enter the lounge.

In addition, if we do not respect the spirit of the programme rules and provisions and behave accordingly, it increases the chance that the benefit is taken away. It can be a loss to a lot of people who behave within the spirit of the programme.