I spoke to my reliable contact at the BA/IB/QR ticket desk in AMS [you probably know who he is] about open sectors. He seemed to think there would be no problems in issuing an SO sector but is looking into it. ^

I have to say the BA contact desks often tell me things that are simply nonsense. And I mean, really, one of them didn't even know BA can issue prime AA flights on their stock when I was trying to modify an itinerary that included AA flights already. One of them in NYC tried to tell me my 125- ticket had been issued by AA. I don't really trust what any of them say any more. I think if they don't know how to do something they just make stuff up.

The Newcastle Gold line has been pretty reliable and to be honest it is worth renewing gold for me just to have access to a competent help line, even if it isn't 24 hours (which is why I had to talk to other desks instead).