Describes it perfect.
Pretty new FO here (~900h), got a base 2,5h by car from my home (closest possible base for me), nice people there, 5/4 roster, no layovers, no night flying, and hours on 737 - can't really beat that.
Have to bring your own water and food? OMG...how am I gonna live with that. I have nothing against bringing my own food as I can decide what to bring with me this way. Water/Coffee...fine, would be nice if it was free.
Pay for the hotel during the RSTs? Yep, company should pay that - and in a strange way they kind of do it, just like renewing the IDs, and uniform. Check the parts of your payslip guys...
It's always easy to complain, but please also have a look around: Many airlines went into bankruptcy the last few years. Ryanair ist growing & we're having a safe job - and isn't that important too?
Not saying everything is perfect here, and there are in fact things Ryr should change - but many people here just exaggerate a tiny little bit.