I agree Adler, this horse is dead. I also agree that you can interpret the language so that it benefits you. As far as not seeing why someone would take a different approach, I can't explain it any better than I have already attempted. Just like there is nothing in the contract that prevents someone from jumpseating into a long international leg 4 hours prior. Yet, the company has removed pilots from trips for doing exactly that. For that reason, I'm not going to tell someone to do something because that is the most advantageous way for us to interpret the contract. I will point out any "potential" risk. Again, contract enforcement could probably clear this up, but don't ask a question you really don't want answered. For me, if I ever get in the situation where I deviated on both legs and now find myself needing to take the segment I already deviated on, I will contact contract enforcement to see what they say. Sometimes it is better to get permission before forgiveness.