As the "Ex EK Manager" with the limited financial authority (being pedantic, it was actually a USD 500 limit and I had 50 odd staff), I find this thread alarming.
There seems to be a major disconnect between the front line folks (Flight deck / Cabin crew) and the management. This is not the way to take EK forward to becoming a major, global airline.
When I joined EK, it WAS a great place to work in the sense of a small Airline that was getting international attention. We were winning awards regularly (anyone remember the free Airline of the Year staff tickets) and there was a real focus on quality as the EK ethos. More importantly, I felt part of a team that was working together to build a major aviation presence.
That all seems to have gone down the toilet. I left when I could no longer make a difference (IE, my decisions had to be ratified by several layers above me that had absolutely no knowledge of what they were deciding on). Please do not be to harsh on the middle managers because they have been emasculated.
My own opinion.....if you don't like it any more......Leave !!!!.