Having been to the T7 CCR a couple times, I do agree that Chelsea just isn't the same.
Unfortunately, my GGL days only really started after the move from T7 to T8.

At least for me, access to Chelsea has become less unpredictable over time.
When traveling in the morning/evening, i.e. when BA agents are present, access has never been an issue.
Entry throughout the day has gotten much less complicated over the last months.
I still feel a bit unease every time I go there, having had to argue too many times in the past.