Plainpilot, that argument used to be valid, but no longer. For many reasons, the bases are now not cost effective overall. The stricter work/social rules constrain the company in many ways. With the erosion of the numbers on full housing in HK, the cost advantage overall has faded away. Further, the company cannot quickly change types to base cities due the single type issues. The company would rather have people on their new "commuter contract" option. They can then eliminate the expensive base administration, eliminate weeks of annual leave, eliminate housing for those who accept the package and increase efficiency. It's a win-win for the company on many levels. That unfortunately is why the only option left for the base pilots is to accept coming back to HK and taking their full entitlement, or transferring to a commuter contract. I suspect that with the current situation, they will not miss the opportunity to attack the bases. Ask yourself why the company is not flying ANY based crews for the past two months? The May roster will most likely demonstrate the same. It is to send a not so subtle message to the based pilots that they really aren't needed. Difficult situation.