Yeah, that's what I thought would happen but so far they are managing, don't ask me how. I have been hearing the same rumor about next summer being the one when the
will hit the fan (regarding crew numbers) for years and it never happened so far.
As to increasing T&C's, personally I doubt there will be any significant change for the time being (upwards anyway). As I said, basing seems to be working for now. At least in the country where I'm based!