wow, this went from being a discussion about the overmanning of bases to a discussion on how stupid NC is with his views on commuting;-)
The point is I would rather spend 20-40hrs a month in F/J PXing than 10-20hrs doing 3man to/from Australia. Lynch Bage is much nicer than cabin crew coffee;-)
Yes I prefer commuting - but thats because I dont want to live on the property(headland hotel) when in HKG. I have a nice apt to return to when I am in HKG. I try to choose my flts carefully - with up to 4 flts a day to Mel and antoher 4 to Syd it is possible to get J more often than not. If I have to travel EY I try to do it on the day flight. Anyway, each to his own. I have been based and I have commuted. I prefer commuting - which should make someone happy as that is one less base occupied with someone who has over 20 years to retirement;-)