Yep. That's the one! For my own stag party I booked 4 months in advance. Still no reply for 2 days leave a week before despite numerous queries. In the end, I told crew control I'd be taking it anyway as they had plenty of notice without the courtesy of a reply.
Guys on the RYR contract receive the same leave as the contractors.
Floaters are still available. I've seen them advertised as 'mobile' Captains. Storm McGinley are the only agency providing crews now, I believe.
Absolutely none in answer to your last question. I was informed that if I chose my own accountant, which is not illegal, they would not give me any work. You are forced to choose one of 3 accountants based in Ireland. Fingers crossed at some stage the authorities will knuckle down on them. Ex-Collegues of mine in Germany have been raided by customs officials due to the tax agreement with RYR and Ireland and RYR declare that the way crews handle their finances is nothing to do with them. It is laughable!