while i cannot speak for the front enders, or the CF-18 comunity , it boils down to a thing called YFR.
Yearly Flying Rate
Each squadron is authorized a certain number of flying hours per year. This includes all Exercises such as RIMPAC, JMC, MAPLE FLAG, etc.....
The sqns spread those hours throughout the aircrews available based on operations and training requirements. Some Aircraft comunities have a larger YFR than others based on what they do.
Like i said, i have a little over 500 hours flying time this year, spread between fights from home (both training and operational), RIMPAC, NORPAT, TRIDENT FURRY, MAPLE GUARDIAN, NOBLE MANTA and other missions