Been out of EK and Dubai a while now, but a few comments:
1) Rosters have improved slightly but as with everything are subject to change.
2) Never expect EK to honour anything they say or anything contractual. The step increment (or lack of) is but one of many many infringements.
3) Medical is now a huge issue for many families and the coverage seems to be in inverse proportion to the benefits.
4) Good and bad everywhere is a true statement. Salaries and benefits seem to decrease every year. Dubai is expensive.
5) Get your Command and consider FlyDubai.
6) Do visit Dubai and try to meet a few people associated with Dnata/EK and Fly Dubai beforehand.
Best of luck to you, my friend.