As a single crew air taxi pilot, I have to say the FTLs are very much needed by the pilots. As you say, most customers want to depart at around 7am and arrive home at around 8pm. Thats a 13 hour day for the pilot and without the FTLs he would probably be sat around with the aircraft waiting all day, getting very borred and when it comes to flying home, having to somehow raise his mental awareness. Not really a problem when its a one off but for this to happen for several days (usually getting up before 5am and not getting home untill after 10pm assuming you do not live at the airport) and this very quickly becomes a dangerous situation. With the FTLs, to do this you would need to take a split duty, with down time at the destination to do whatever you like. Then when you do get home you would have to take at least 13 hours 45mins off duty (assuming TO at 0700 and landing at 2000) which prevents you from doing this two days running.
I dont see how this will effect small operators apart from them not being able to take advantage of the pilots and possibly having to hire another pilot or two.