They were never supposed to be stickers. The original plan was for a BA Speedmarque stamp. They simply indicate to the person on duty in the First lounge area that your boarding pass and fqtv status were checked at the main reception desk in the lobby.

T4 is different because the pavilion layout is years older and the three lounges situated there are essentially seperate entities with their own reception desks. The agent at the entrance is a Customer Service Agent, and simply intended to direct and advise. The Senior Customer Service Agents man the main reception desks (as in T1) and make the decision on access based on more in depth training (because believe me there are so many cards and exceptions it takes a degree in gobbldygook to truly master it).

In short the stickers have no other effect than to try to make it easier for passengers to come and go after the initial entry without having to queue again (they can be seen at a bit more of a distance). No conspiracy, no segregation once in, no Molton Brown rub downs or even pre flight dining impact at all. Sorry, the sad truth is so dull compared to some of the wonderful theories on here!! happy flying...........