In the 5 or so months that I've been at BA, I've worked one blindline which was my choice due to not willing to work wrap days during leave, which would mean I would fall short of CAP and thus not get paid fully. As they allocated me work I got paid in full (and didn't work very hard at all). I have had loads of weekends off (part and whole) and every day that I have required off I have got through bidding. You do have to play the game and bid cleverly (night DMEs or SOFs in a tripline that senior bods don't want and thus delete).
My quality of life is very good and compared to my previous life with no roster stability nor requested days off I have no complaints!!
I can't speak for long haul newbies of course but there's my twopence worth!