If those who are Commanders now, and are intending to join EK as First Officers, clearly do not meet the specs for a DE Captain position.
So, they will have to wait for the upgrade, if it comes.
Have noticed a few at other companies, who joined with the same ideas, watch as DE guys were hired, and paid accordingly, while our intrepid hero sat in the right seat...gear up and shut up.
Up to them of course, but suspect they will post here in about a years time that all is not rosey in the desert...indeed just as many have on this forum.
Some are very naive when it comes to overseas employment, especially when the company changes direction, sometimes with little notice.