It does seem that the companies who take a liking to the bond are those that have trouble keeping staff. They should be looking at other options instead of trying to tie their pilots down. ie-Letting them work to a roster that gives them a life! Being tied down with a bond after putting in the hard yards only makes the matter worse.
It makes it all a bit harder when a few individuals spoil it for everyone else by getting an endorsement then moving straight on to greener pastures. This is rare and the company has to be a bit smarter about who they choose and how they treat their staff.
There is no requirement in Aust. for training to be non-rev. which is no drama if companies aren't trying to pull this caper. It is a low margin profit and to be able to do an endorsement on a revenue flight is a good thing but anyone who would charge the pilot at the same time would steal the false teeth right out of their grandmothers mouth.
Companies need to realise in these cases that there is a culture problem that needs to be addressed not a financial one.