Black and Brown not 100% true.
I believe the flexicrew guys out in France on the parc contract are on a fixed pattern roster and are getting an extra €10/block hour over the guys in the UK.
And regarding time to go permanent, the threshold to apply was 500 factored hours which a new cadet could easily get in 7-8 months.
True mainly European bases have been offered, but some UK bases have been offered and once in the 'system' you can put yourself on the waiting list and I know some of those who wished to come back to LGW have been offered a transfer back after spending only 6 months in their 'chosen' European base.