It seems as if many have forgotten the fact that they are employed by the Royal Air FORCE! This is a fighting force, not BA. The old crew duty and perfect sleep issue are surely not applicable in time of conflict.
Tank commanders have an equally demanding responsibility in terms of cost of equipmnet etc. They would not dream of raising issues like this.
Having served with all aircraft types in the RAF it becomes apparent that the Transport/AAR fleet have the worst reputations when it comes to HOTAC etc.
It's as if there is a hidden mafia within the RAF protecting their right to drain the tax payer. The HOTAC/ Rates issue always causes a stir. It's because everyone has become so accustomed to it, that when its withdrawn, for what ever reason, they all start whining!
Senior Officers won't do much about it, as they came through the same system and see it as one of their perks.
The rotary lads get on with it, as do the Army. The whining must stop as it's bad for everyone and causes rifts. The alternative is a nice insecure job flying self loading freight for the Airlines.
Gentlemen, show some alligance and unity and lets get on with the job of eliminating terrorist scum!