What seems to be the norm, though, is to base cadets for their first two years anywhere, then give them the base they wanted. Then, on promotion, send them out again to their least preferred base, even though their preferred, current base is short of Captains, and bring them back another two years down the line, even though that invariably means bringing in other people to the base in question that want to be somewhere else too. And swaps are flatly refused.
I certainly agree with the above, however its not a universally applied policy; but very common to many a pilot's experience. As the summer season is now underway it seems pretty apparent that the 'exodus' is biting hard. So if the above synopsis is an actual policy, then it needs to change. The mindset of the average pilot in FR is not to stay. It's 'get the hours and get out.' This applies to a lot of the guys in the company 5 years or less. There is definitely a culture in the right seat that is adverse to promotion. I don't need to list the reasons as to why, it's no secret. It's a shame really, because there's quite a lot of talent there.
This of course may not be the policy or indeed may not actually be happening? Bad rumours and all that goes with them :-)