Living near MAN and having somewhat given up on LHR and BA I've tried a few different options recently, mainly as I was able to bag a status match to flying Blue and had some time remaining on Star A status.

Most recently flew MAN/MXP on EZY, we landed 20 mins early, now that was a shock. I flew back LIN/AMS/MAN on KLM, one flight in y, one in J.
I've also recently flown LH to Zurich via FRA and returned on Swiss direct, also AF direct to Paris.

I certainly don't think BA offers anything service wise above those on the whole, perhaps even slightly less in terms of food/drink offering in economy.

Net of net, if I can get a direct flight that wins hands down. Going out to Europe with a connection then it's much of a muchness with passport control on entering Schengen or final destination if via LHR - both FRA and AMS seem to 'waive' a requirement for extra security checks when originating in UK. When returning from Europe and needing a connection I actively avoid LHR due to the extra security check, the new, extended MCTs won't help either.

BA/LHR certainly aren't offering anything to make me think of them ahead of anyone else for European SH.
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