For the company it isn't just about coverage. It's a cost thing. It costs money to have us on the payroll even if you drop to zero and they don't give you a pay check. So they want to make you work to earn your keep. I'm surprised that any airline allows pilots to drop to zero.
It certainly would be a nice option to have for rare occasion like a trip to New Zealand, but otherwise I'm not going to complain much about it compared to some other issues. I work to make money and save for retirement. This contract has greatly helped my primary goal - saving up so I don't have to work at all.