There's only a problem for flying personnel who have to wait for the roster publication before they book a ticket.
The company recognised the problem with CAT C vs Special tickets and changed the policy: CAT C opens up 6 months in advance, Special tickets open up 90 days in advance. So if you are able to plan more then 3 months in advance, you won't be affected by the special tickets and chances are that you might find CAT C if you are a little bit flexible.
With our rosters being published 7 days before the end of the month, and secondary leave being awarded about 2 months before, for pilots the special tickets will be a factor and it will be almost impossible to find something on our more popular routes.
The only option is the Annual Leave Ticket which is the one card you always must have up your sleeve. I don't use my annual leave ticket anymore for what it is intended for, but keep it as my 'get out of jail card' when necessary..