Freespeed,
I'm an F/O and have been at EK for just under a year. I worked for a couple of major carriers in the west before coming here. I'm not rich, but I'm quite happy. The night flying isn't too bad either. I usually do about three or four of them per month. I have quite a bit of time off at home with the family, and Dubai isn't really that bad a place to live. Apart from the hot summers, it's very nice indeed.
I have no doubt that these guys have given you their honest opinion, as have I. It just boils down to your personal circumstances in the end. As for time to command. The last plan was for 133 aircraft by 2012. Now I hear it's up to 160+ in the same time frame. In other words, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Good luck in your decision whichever way you decide to go.
Yard