Like him or not, Dave Phillips is proven on the international stage and plays top 4 minutes/special teams for the Steelers. Bearing in mind the majority of us only see Phillips (and the rest of the GB team) play a handful of games each year in our own rink, it's easy to criticise somebody for a few bad performances when they play against us, and I'm inclined to trust the decisions made by a coach who has picked a gold medal winning team two years in a row.
Through no fault of his own Batch doesn't have the same proven experience on the international stage, nor does he play the same minutes or role as a Phillips/O'connor/Ehrhardt etc. - so I can understand the reasoning behind Pete Russel's selections, especially when you consider the opposition this time around!
However.. these warm up games would've been a great opportunity for Josh to make a case for himself with the improvements he has made this season, especially given his performances against CHL opposition which was some of the best hockey I think he's ever played. It's also worth bearing in mind that this isn't the final selection for the World Championships. There will be other warm up games and a lot can happen in 2/3 months, so he may get an opportunity yet.
I also expect some of the GB stalwarts may retire from the international stage over the next 12-24 months, which will pave the way for Batch and others to get their opportunity.