Thanks Dave

If the Evil Empire is UA, then i think that bmiGold (*G) is the one below Premier Executive. In OW terms it is more like QF Gold or BA Silver (I think that this is Ruby?).

I'll drop them a fax tomorrow with the details you mention and see what they say. Notwithstanding this, working my way up seems to be a better option than staying with BA just now. The only real issue is that the BA AMEX I have offers me a free companion ticket when I redeem miles so I am attracted to this in a big way !