In fairness to the banks in question, the financial environment was slightly different in December, so the 'advice' may not be as bad as it now appears.
Bear in mind this was before US and BOE rate cuts, and talk of a US recession, when the tracker & variable margins were being increased by many banks, indeed some probucts were being discontinued/suspended because of the credit crunch(ie).
Also at the time the ECB was threatening to increase the rate to deal with inflation - they have since softened somewhat on this, but there have been no CLEAR indications on what direction (if any) the rate will go in.
Clubman is of course correct on the independent advice - but even he would admit they are making an informed guess.