Thanks skylion, it has always been an irritation on the UK/ZA run. When I go to the far east from London, it doesn't make a great deal of difference as the time zones will make a mockery of any day or night start. I find the late evening departure, with a short night followed by a long day with landing at about 18:00 local (HKG) as very reasonable.
If I am in Y, then I prefer daylights, as I don't have to try and sleep - not to mention enjoying the view. If I have the time, I will use a daylight from the US back to the UK. For example, JFK at 09:00 will get to LHR at 21:00 and then home to bed after a nice day at Fl360!
Of course, if I am in C, I don't mind over-nighting on board!