I just spoke with BA, and they say that because of their 72 hour delay in updating the system with my updated status, I will lose out on the increased bonus rate of earning avios on not one, but 3 flights. And that even though they can see that I'd earned the tier points required they won't redress the issue.

This is clearly a systematic and pernicious attempt to rob business travellers of a few measly avios, knowing full well that many of them will achieve upgraded status midway through fast turn around business trips.

I'm learning how typical it is of BA's approach. From earning them to cashing them in, this is a really stingy loyalty scheme. Really wish I'd been flying star alliance.