My point is that you shouldn't have to be contrite that you can't meet employer's insane demands. You should be able to reject demands to do midnight calls whether or not it's because you have a kid or because you want to have a social life.

The game is rigged in the favour of the employers here, and it's so cleverly rigged they have employees blaming each other.

The only people taking midnight calls should be those who are willing to, and who are appropriately compensated for it.