stormcloud I think EK took the mistaken view that they would be inundated with Captain applicants type tated on A330/340 and that it would be more difficult to replace existing F/O's if they were promoted to Captain.
It would appear that A320 Captains are now in the loop for direct commands on the basis that it is little different to A330/340.
EK also know that they can afford to upset existing F/O's who are "Captive" in EK in most cases.
Years ago you could not get a direct command in SQ unless you had 3000 hours Wide Body and International experience. B757 did not count!!!
Then along came the A340 and because the SQ terms were so poor and jobs were plentiful then SQ suddenly allowed A320 Captains who were puddle jumpers to join. This whole nonsense of "Widebody Command" was then shown up to be ridiculous.
I guess because EK have shafted their current F/O's with previous command time that applications from Captains as F/O's must now be non existent except perhaps for a few 146 drivers!!