Madcat and EWS I agree with both of you. As with the QF drivers I share the view that 8 days consecutive per month in OZ will be the minimum. The contract is in very early stages, and they have BIG plans. Who knows there might even be BIGGER a/c on the horizon as well.(777, 747).
As the optimist I take the view that Air Japan will do its utmost to look after those who are committed. Word from Tokyo suggests that many of the pilots have never been treated so well. Respect is the word I hear.
The ANC 747 freight guys are getting far more time at home than they anticipated when signing their contracts. The airlines are getting skillful, cost effective crews who are getting the hours in the sky in reasonably quick time. As a result the airline can afford to give them reasonable time at home - win, win situation really.