Good comprehensive review- thanks. I get the moan about lack of premium security but I can't believe regular US bound flyers don't have PreCheck / GE. I know people who are twice a year visitors with GE given how much time it saves. BA will know how many premium PAX have GE / Pre Check and have decided, without being too blunt, to not offer premium security to those who haven't got it.
In your situation, I'd seriously cough up the $150, get pre check / GE and enjoy how much of a game changer it is. :-)