I do not think it is right to call the pilots cowards or scum. I do not fly with or for Ryr but from what I read/hear it really is a company who bully and punish their staff without hesitation!.
We have a relatively sensible fuel policy at my airline where commanders are encouraged to save fuel where possible however if I choose to take an extra ton or 2 extra I certainly would not hear anything of it from management.
Easy to say you would leave if you where dictated to regards fuel decisions but bills still need paying and food put on the table. Do not envy these guys/gals one little bit.
Good luck.