So using the OP's case, how many people do you think on that flight claimed statutory compensation? And of those, how many have not accepted BA's fob off?

Now of course I can't prove it, but I'd be willing to bet that the amount BA (other airlines are available...) pays out in comp is a tiny tiny fraction of what it is actually on the hook for if it was made to pay proactively.

I suppose it could just eat that additional cost. Maybe slash executive pay. Cut shareholder dividends, that sort of thing. Does that sound likely?