First I've heard of that leave restriction but yes it may well be true, as regards that I'll probably try for 36-24 next year but so far my leave requests and indeed my days off requests have all been approved with change, and that's over a year now.
I second also what Mach said about taxation, don't mess about. Pilots are all tax experts except, they aren't. Don't listen to an accountant as I promise you they won't have a clue. Go straight to your tax office and lay the contract on the table, and yes they give you the tax return as above. One last thing, make sure you bring a healthy sense of humour guys, it'll pay dividends. Seriously. Pardon the pun. All the best to anyone on their way here, and also Mach is correct re basing. Once they have the numbers there's a good chance they'll open a new rsp. That said, anything can happen.