superMD11 i don't think you will get much help from the guys in your quest for info. Why do you think it is ok to jump ahead of F/O's already more than qualified for the job? the lack of a union and labour laws here mean that you can however i can assure you that DEC's are not needed in EK it is just the managments way of trying to save money.
Please don't join as a DEC as i have said before you are no better than a SCAB ( we can't have unions so therefore no picket line to cross but i am sure you get the idea)
Regards
TH