CorF - You do have a say in the contract - don't accept it - and show that you're not prepared to allow the industry to head down the path that it is currently heading.
Shopping in LA could be kewl - but turning around in AKL and not setting foot inside the terminal could get boring when the short routes start coming in. Shopping in Rundle St Mall will be a let-down once you've been loaned to Virgin Blue too.
Recruitment/Management DO read these forums - I don't know if you've given out enough info (ie VRD dates/Phone Call dates/Medical dates) for yourself to be identified. I'd hate for someone with a sadistic streak to just hold off on your phone calls cause they enjoy watching your squirming on here.
p.s. You mention bunk beds twice in the benefits of working for V - you do realise that most of the flight you will be working, and not in them?