Nick:

Interesting thoughts - I agree that KLM's C isn't up to BA's. But there's no way (as far as I'm concerned) that the difference makes it worth the hassle and extra 2+ hours of doing a connection at LHR. I'll probably (hopefully) just sleep on the flight anyway - luckily that usually is not a problem for me. BTW, last time I flew ORD to LHR on BA their C class was full - just like KLM's usually is.