Golfish, it has been the case for years. Trainers can get 10 days off in a row, us line people could not. When I joined it was easy to get 10 days off in a row, but this was taken off line pilots.
Then there was a Max of 5 days in a row. Usually in my case, followed by a ULR. So, they were useless to me, 2 days to go home and back was just stupid.
Now, if the max three day string is true, what it works into well is the acclimated rules.
Unless you live or want to go within the prescribed time difference, you are stuffed.
Trainers will keep their 10 off strings, and so can escape.
This is one of the reasons I chose the option.....if you don't like it leave....