Karunch
Years back when our rosters were "lighter" and aviation/cost of living in general in the SE UK wasnt quite so expensive as it is now a lot of my more senior colleagues did exactly what you describe (well it was that or sail the yacht
).... Nowadays it's quite rare to come across anyone who does much if any SE flying ( aside from a few part timers).
As you say, if such flying is valuable then it needs the employers and regulators to buy into it.... what chance that!