How long has it been the case that a guest of an AU member cannot use the v touch facilites at LHR clubhouse its a new one on me. I have a very unhappy junior jag on my hands with very long locks[:(!]
The last time I was in, which was a LOONG time ago in the Plat Amex days - the staff in there had the proud boast 'everything is complimentary - your money is no good in here, sir'

IMO anything that devalues the gold card is a BAD customer service move. Gold card holders make VS a lot of money.
Nick