I agree to an extent with the OP. BA used to be able to provide a full service. There's really no reason not to. In fact, on three out of my last four short haul flights although the crew came round with crisps and water they then didn't come back round to pick up any rubbish. On one flight I pointed this out and got an "Oh? Really? I'll speak to them" from the IFM (or whatever the current title of the day was at the time) but when it happened on the following two flights I assumed it was a new SOP. Then on the most recent flight the rubbish was collected.
However, in terms of food, on my last trip from LHR to NCL had I been able to BOB then I probably would have done so as I was peckish and didn't have time to pop into the lounge as I was on a very tight connection.