I can assure you that eJ have not 'thrown money' at anyone. They'll give the minimum they can get away with. Anyone who does join must be prepared to be rather nomadic as base closures become more frequent. Don't expect any ounce of fairness or compassion neither should the worst happen.
Take MAD. It shut and Spain closed as a crew base. People moved on. Now BCN is open (on significantly worse terms than previous Spain contracts). Alleged those displaced by MAD closure will be given priority however people must show they have a connection and ties in the BCN area. Funny I don't see such a requirement for DEPs at BCN. So as usual those who have worked there will be treated second class compared to new joiners.