Like you S44, I'm no longer in the GSS loop (thank god), but I hear that £25k bond is now done via a bank loan in the employees name, because so many left without paying it. Does such a big bond matter if you dont intend to leave? ... well yes; Because people cant afford to leave (especially now), the company can pay very low without fear of its pilots walking - And lo; the pay (and other terms) is low!
I disagree that they would always get you home for your day off if you asked. The realities were that your a/c would be delayed by 1, 2 or even 3 days, and it is your only means of getting home. You will be working your days off whether you like it or not. And it is not infrequent.