Gerry me old mate,
Well, there is some truth in what has been posted. But it always pays to take it with a grain of salt.
Things are only as bad as you let them be.
It will be nice when all the negotiations are over and hopefully we will all be better off for it.
But what it comes down to is your personal choice. Which is often the hardest decision of all.
And to answer one of your questions. Basing are possible for both F/o's and Captains. The location of the base does depend on the fleet you are on.
Well keep the 2 holer smoking.