What I have found over the years is that every operator has their downfalls.
If you want an honest opinion from me here it is. Yes some of the things said are true. Mike is a difficult dude to work for, but that is because he is so meticulous(buggered if I know how to spell that) he expects so much from his pilots, there is even special ways to press radio buttons etc. Belive me you do not even want to look at a plane the wrong way. I just did as asked and didnt get shouted a more than three or four times in 13 months, I can handle that.
Now as for stretching hours...Never had to do it, not even once in 1100 hours at the company, always got extensions before hours ran out and maint always on time. Did he push to get planes out quick? Yes he did but that is only putting pressure on the ginger beers to get the job done quicker, not telling them to cut corners.
Anyway the point I am making here is that some things posted here MAY be true some MAY be false. Also the experience of one does not mean all experience the same thing.
Thats all now.
Cheers percy, congrats on the bub on the way and love to the missus.