As bad as SAA?

I paid for a BA ticket weeks ago. They were quite happy to take my money. I tried to check my booking on their system this morning, to see where I'll be sitting, only to be told that I have been placed on standby and they can't confirm that I have a seat. I have made all sorts of plans based on the fact that I will be on this flight and landing at the expected time. We have a binding legal contract. How can an airline take people's money without providing the service they agreed to provide? How can they be allowed to get away with causing last-minute stress for travellers who are already stressed? This WILL NOT be allowed to continue. Something has to be done. And I pledge myself to doing it. Watch this space.