T2 is the old European terminal (and as you rightly state due for demolition in 2008 once T5 opens, to be re-built as the Heathrow east Terminal, in time for the Olympics in 2012!, and thus all the European carriers have many departures early on - in T3 is SK and TK for the earlybirds so not too terrible. Mid-morning peaks with US/Canadian traffic, then again in the evening with the Far East/Middle East traffic -in theory. Practice shows that one minute it's all peaceful, then the next queues are a mile long.
Transfer security in T3 has always been notoriously bad AM due to all the long haul arrivals - but now it's anything under 20 minutes queueing and count yourself lucky.

Tyler Brule wrote in the FT that he brings a nylon bag and throws his smaller carry-ons into this bag. He also does not worry about liquids, just like I do, but I wouldn't write that as a public figure.

LHR/ BAA are ridiculous. When I travel I normally use a small shoulder bag and a small briefcase, which would be "illegal".

A friend was at LHR on 12/31 and got thru with a carry-on and a hand-bag.

I used to take the SK flight that arrived at 12:50 at LHR and there was usually nobody in the T3 security line. I am boycotting LHR and the UK now and only connected once since Aug 10 (yes, I was there on that day trying to fly to MUC!) and I arrived early (before 7 am) and sprinted to the security. The line was short but moving like molasses (20 people taking 20 minutes type of deal). I saw the line growing rapidly behind me. People were complaining that they were going to miss there flights and of course got rude response from the BAA dolts.

Tommy, did not notice anyone from UA helping 1Ks, etc.