Up until WH, Male Channellers were all pretty much a death sentence to those around them. Destroying the BT HAD to be done. The problem was that Elaida VASTLY underestimated it's size and power.

Yes, being slaves is (arguably) better than dying, but remember that they are more or less under Compulsion. Not to dissimilar from Graendal's pets who were BF'd in TGS. The main differences are that the AS are AWARE of their helplessness, and also that they there may be a way to one day undo the bond and free themselves.

I think that some, like Gabrielle, are dealing better than others, but it would be naive to assume that any of them would keep the bond given the choice.