Commuting between base and home can hardly be considered leisure travel either. Commuting is a part of the airline lifestyle for those who want to do it. Thats why "Commuting contracts" are offered by some of the more flexible airlines. Airline managers in this country are the people who need to accept it and make it work for the benefit of both parties. Given that aviation jobs are no longer as stable as they once were then the concept of commuting is a way of keeping the family happy and the career progressing.
On another point, given that pilot incapacitation is the most common cockpit emergency then having someone in the jumpseat who is familiar with the environment would in fact enhance safety.