The rule with staff travel is to do your homework. The info on loads is available and it just takes some time and a little knowledge to decide which flight are realistic. The nightmare stories are from people who try to get back from Orlando in the school holidays or Singapore with a low priority.
After 6 months all BA First Officers are given a free ID100 ticket with a Club Class priority. If you are single, take leave outside the school hols and choose your destination well. I have never had a problem in 5 years and have been to Oz, Mauritius, Dubai and Barbados, all Club class.
Those with familes should just be realistic in the their aims and make sure they have 'back up' tickets.
No one would expect to get priority over a fare paying pax, what kind of airline would that make us?! As you get more senior the task gets a bit easier.
It is a great resource as long as you know the rules and are realistic in your aims.