I'd have to agree with that, it is a remarkably small thing that is being asked for by the pilots, in the overall scheme of things. It would be interesting to see how many ANZ execs routinely travel business class, and what the travel budget is for them.
I have worked in Europe, and I can echo what MOR said about long travel times to sims. I can remember Air Wisconsin crews travelling in from the US and going straight into the sim, same for some Air Zimbabwe guys, some Thais and even a few from AirBC in Canada. It wasn't unusual to see folk sleeping on the couches in the Woodford lounge. I don't think anybody should be expected to travel long distances and then go into the sim, but it is relatively common - even in the US, if you have to travel across the country to get to the simulator.
I just hope that, in sticking up for themselves, they don't inadvertently screw themselves.