Has your company never heard of Human Factors, it is now part of the JAA syllabus (in the UK at least). We are limited by the co exposition to a max of 16hrs at work, and that only in an AOG situation, then you MUST have minimum rest of 8hrs. I guess the more people do it the more it will be expected so you make a rod for your own back.
I guess I wouldn't last long there as I would certainly not of done it, I also might of got a little upset with the Captain as well. Then that's me!