You do 5 horrifically early starts in a row, but it's OK as it's been scientifically proven to not induce fatigue.
Some years ago I took part in a Qinetic fatigue study on early starts. As I recall they found that your performance starts to wane half way through the morning of the third early.
I was staggered when I heard about the alleviation granted to easyJet on this issue.
I think the CAA have proven to themselves that
politically early starts do not fatigue pilots. I.e. if easyJet had an accident with a crew on the fourth sector of a fifth early duty as a result of fatigue then the CAA could produce a papertrail at the enquiry proving that they were themselves not to blame.
It all comes down to posh cars and final salary pensions at the Belgrano. The Guys there don't like nasty rosters anymore than the average pilot. However, by establishing high level cosy relationships with the airlines they can ring fence their own positions and shaft everone else.
Call me a cynic but I suspect that is the route cause of the problem.
Toodle Pip, Yarpy