Airbus SOP
Unfortunately Airbus SOPs are only interested in covering their butts in case of insurance claims or investigations. They do not offer the most efficient way to fly this beautiful plane.
Hence we are required to start the Apu every time in case of a tailpipe fire, we have an ECAM to switch on brake fans even if TO is not for another 2 hours.
Conf 3 landings reduce the stable fuel flow from 38 to 33 kg/minute for 1 and 1/2 minutes for an increase of 3 knots. Added up for 6 to 8 sectors per day across a fleet of say 30 aircraft 365days per year, and as part of a fully comprehensive fuel saving strategy , this starts to add up.
Unfortunately Airbus will not put out a recomendation as they would be liable in case of a tail strike.
We Pilots use over a million litrs of fuel EACH per annum so we must be more responsable. (750hrs*2300kg/hr*1.25 divided by 2 [CM1 and CM2])
If this means a carefull considered modification [by committee] of ultra conservative recommendations made by Airbus then so be it.
I do however agree that every Tom Dick and Harry should not be using his/her own POPs