Wiggy ,
I confirm that back in the Trident days [ late 70's ] . 1st command had to be Short Haul . Some came kicking and screaming from Long Haul , and found they enjoyed SH . Some did not go back to LH , some hated it and returned LH asap . And some enjoyed their time and went back in the normal course of events .
Bit like the BCAL merger ; to keep command some BCAL guys came to Highlands and Islands [ Budgies and Parrots ] . Some really enjoyed it and fitted in well . Some hated it and FOIFP [ + off in fine pitch ] on the next Southbound Shuttle ..
Because [ of I guess costs of type ratings , freeze periods , and resentments ] that requirement of SH 1st disappeared .
Been gone nearly 9 yrs , so memory fades ... But it's really down to when your parents married and when you got on the seniority list of choice .
IMHO , enjoy whichever fleet you are on . They all have fun if you make it so .
Bid for command as soon as you are ready , leaving it late for lifestyle choices is folly . And can make it difficult , and if too late ; impossible .
Don't have LHR blinkers , there was [ and may be again ] BA aviation outside LHR . It was extreme fun and not lacking in remuneration .
rgds condor .