Technically, you are not protected. This is true but keep in mind if you rejoin the crew say on the second leg and you deviated from the first leg. If the plane breaks down you get delayed etc... As long as its not your fault there is somewhat of a get out of jail card. Its when you delay the flight because of your deviation having gone south, thats when you get into trouble. Also, same scenario above, I believe the hotel room is on you, not the company.