Well, it's up to EI, but if they leave it too long, Asia will be unlikely. If GF or (particularly EK) get a route to DUB, they might as well throw their hat at it.
Nothing will happen on the US market this year, so why not focus elsewhere. Furthermore, if another 9/11 occurs and EI STILL has all its long haul eggs in one basket, where does that leave it.
Furthermore, as more and more pax decide they can't be bothered with the ever increasing restrictions on visas etc. for the US, they may well be tempted by other long haul options.
If they miss this chance, WW might as well write a letter to Maurice Flanagan (of EK) and say "we don't want this market, you have it".