So all you people who been there, done that, please tell me; are rostering people really evil, or just ignorant?
No, they aren't evil but they do have little, if any, knowledge of the applicable legislation. In addition, if you look at the job descriptions they have you will find that they are charged with ensuring that the company's flights are fully crewed. note that no mention is made of safely, or legally crewed or indeed the application of common sense.
Don't be disheartened; if it ain't legal don't do it, but if it is give it your best shot. You can't do more than that.