I mentioned, i believe somewhere on a thread on this forum some time ago (about 3+ years ago now), when BA had put forward their A380 refurbishment plans i was shared a little inside info. As with any plan, there were a number of possible re-configurations mooted. In these discussions there were 2-3 main contenders to base the business case from. One of these included an increase in capacity to the World Traveller cabin and a slight overall capacity increase on the aircraft. WTP and WT to be all on the main deck, but essentially the premium cabin figures remaining more or less stable - just with the upgraded products. Also closely matching those of the 77W.
8F - Forward Upper Deck Cabin.
88J - All Upper Deck aft of First (may have been give or take that figure).56W - Forward Main Deck (where First is currently).325Y - All Main Deck.
Approx total capacity - 477 (overall increase of 8 vs current).
The other option was a premium heavy layout, (high-J), very similar to what is being mentioned in the thread. Whereby First remains on the main deck and the entire upper deck is Club World.
BA certainly love a premium heavy config... stack them high and all that... but for some reason, personally i would have preffered the 1st version above being the selected config. Having the proposed high premium config just makes me picture the reality being anything but a premium experience. Especially in WTP with the sheer size of the cabin!
I would make two comments:
1. I don't think the new First suites would fit 1-2-1 on top deck of an A380 whereas the Club suite does so it makes sense to use top deck for Club as you can pack more economy in downstairs rather than a seat less upstairs.
2. I don't mind having the entire top deck dedicated to Business Class provided they are going to break down service effectively between the two galleys and have a properly staffed service plan. My fear is some accountant will tell them they should resource it all from one galley and then you find yourself waiting for a staff member to work their way down 25 seat rows ....