abra,
Quite the contrary, have owned one for quite some time. In fact, delivered several direct from the factory, flew 'em in charter service in the 60's (along with a lot of other folks, desirable aeroplane then), no problems found. You just have to know how..
Most of your comments about the concerned airline are right out of the past...as in, poor scheduling, no/late roster, local favoritism, poor communications...and been that way for a very long time. Glad to hear about the maintenance improvement, guess 1998 was a wake-up call for them. Personally found the seasonal work quite to my satisfaction...don't think I would care to keep up the pace all year 'round. The leave situation apparently hasn't changed either, but personally found that if I told 'em when I intended to go, the roster (such as it was) was arranged accordingly. Worked for me anyway.
Some folks used the inhouse contracting agency, and their pay was always late, sometimes very late. Personally used an outside agency...always paid on time. Much better arrangement.