scuttled, thank you for making people aware of the negative effects of an exchange posting - it is scandalous that the financial impact of LOA reduction should be so severe.
Any honest employer would have agreed Ts&Cs in advance and should not have simply cut them without negotiation. But you are clearly not employed by an employer with any concern and who is merely bottom line driven.
Gone are the days of the 'Porsche polishers' of RAFG who enjoyed special fuel prices, very cheap alcohol and the value for money of the German economy. Valley? I found it no more expensive than England, but for wives the lack of well-known high street names in Holyhead or Llangefni would have been a bit of a bind. Yes, it took ages to drive anywhere at the weekend; I used to get up at 0400 to go and see a girl friend near Reading. It is much easier now that there are two bridges over the Menai and the roads have been vastly improved.
Out of curiousity, what was the daily LOA when you were first at your overseas location - and what is it now?
Have you made your desk officer aware of the financial impact? Do the bean counters have any real understanding of your situation?
Sorry that you have been on the receiving end of such schadenfreude for merely having exposed the financial reality of an overseas posting.