In many airlines (short haul low-cost excepted) you are away from home as it is. The 5/5 is quite appealing. The money you could cash as a floating pilot is good. If you're a commuter without prospect of getting the base you desire it's also a good choice. Doesn't matter if you commute to same place or different places. The downside is the commuting overall. They often sent you to the edge of the world and spending 15-17 hrs to get there wasn't unusual. On your day off of course. But it was free! Wohoo..