Finally managed to speak to a BA Customer Relations Agent today. In summary she said to me that the changes had been brought about because there had been too many complaints and feedback from cabin crews that meal and drinks services were too rushed!! And there wasn't enough time to prepare hot meals with starters, cheese and desserts. Apparently this was extensively planned by senior management!

I very politely, but firmly, pushed back on that in that yes, to Manchester or Amsterdam I wouldn't expect a hot meal and service might be rushed, but any cabin crew who can't do a drinks and hot meal run properly on a 2 hour plus flight really ought to consider a career change. And that these changes would make CE uncompetitive.

Anyway despite that it was an amicable conversation and she did her best to reassure me that BA do listen(!), and that if the company keeps on getting complaints from passengers then they will look to change the catering again. Though she warned it wouldn't be imminent...

For my sins, my initial £25 e-voucher was cancelled and replaced with 10,000 Avios.