It's what you make of it and is managing expectations. I commute on a 3 hour mainline flight as both long call reserve and line holder. I honestly don't stress about it. It's helpful that I can reserve the Jumpseat, but I actually don't have to that often. Going to work, if I don't make it, I don't care, I'll go back home. Coming home I try to get home ASAP, but plan on the worst case of taking the late flight home.

I've heard your type of comments from a few Captains before. They are always from "anti-commuter" types who moved their families from their hometown when their base closed on them. It's usually some anacdotal completely subjective point they heard from their AME. "Be glad you don't commmute, it takes 10 years off these guys!" It's their way of feeling good about themselves for moving after a base closure.

As for after Red Eyes, most guys I fly with don't nap at all after red eyes (some very little before too). I try for a 5 hour nap before, then I sleep on the commute home and stay up until bed time. Let's face it, they are tough on the body no matter what you do.

I eat in moderation, and work out every day on the road. I actually feel better now then before I had this job. YMMV