Happy and skysook,
The situation is obviously different for everyone, that's why you Happy Bandit) said no but the next two said yes. But for most, whether or not you are in front of the VARA drivers didn't matter. The two that took the gig obviously don't care where they sit, they wanted the jet job. Simples!
In this day and age, if people haven't done their homework before signing, then more fool them. If you look at the worst case scenario (VARA drivers are above you) and you're still happy to accept the job, then you take it. Most G/A and regional folk have access to AFAP and can read most of the story in regards to VARA's integration there.