Just to throw my 2 pence worth in, I know from talking to various people who I would believe to be in the know, there is a problem in the company with a lack of F/O's with 2700+ hours willing to start the command upgrade for the very reason cited on this thread, such as:
leaving their base for another which could be anywhere in Southern Europe on a 5/3 roster with no chance of commuting for a reasonable family life. The new Capt salary on RYR contract anyway is approx only euro 600 a month more than that of a RYR F/O who has done 3-4 years (this money of course will barely cover the accommodation cost.
So your quality of life is reduced (more so if you have a family)
More responsibility without the bonus of a fair pay packet. Where is the incentive?
Suggestions.
A transparent base system, i.e agreed before training
A web based leave system for crews to make leave applications easier and fairer.
DO not have new captain's on a ultra low new contract salary which is cut by 10% for year 1.
these fixes would solve a lot of problems encourage FO's to upgrade and keep more pilots at Ryanair.
Anyway I'm not that naive and I was smiling while typing this. You live in hope.