Don't worry, that mythical pilot shortage is probably being predicted to come up again soon, so there won't be a metric f**kton of guys waiting in the wings to come to war zones....oh wait....
Contracts are unfortunately what most of us have had to go through to get somewhere better. Saying 'come home' is like saying 'stop flying and give it up', so no surprises on the reaction that comment gets. I am very much less than impressed with SA contract companies though - basically lip service to crew safety in many cases (and not just OPSEC type stuff, also the aviation side).