Liam, if you would like to pitch up early or not, it’s your call. It doesn’t have any effect. I pitch up early and work out my Flight Duty Period and in particular, when it ends.
The AFTL’s are for fatigue purposes only, availability of crews and the desires of other crew members should not be considered in your decision. If it does,you are just looking for an excuse to justify your actions or inaction's as it may be.
You don’t have to use discretion but many do as they are scared of the big bad wolf.
Yes I agree, lots talk but many are just plain scared and intimidated.
Enjoy the payrise. You worked hard for it.