QNH: It doesn't have to be a 777 or a 300/340 and you don't have to look far for better conditions. 15 years to command doesn't matter if you are getting paid more as a Captain at EK, even more with allowances, after tax. The guys from BA (2?) who are here are those in their mid to late 30s, who entered flying relatively late and for whom BA would not offer the 'full package' in a relatively short career when retiring at 55.
The reality is that the bottom line is money. EK is no BA. Currently there is no viable long term future here if you wish to retire back in Europe or elsewhere for that matter. It is a stepping stone for commands and then off to a contract somewhere which offers the money needed to get out of this job before you're carried out.