Well actually 411a, they can't get enough DEC's, no matter what Ed trys to tell us, they are having to promote some whining co-pilots as you put it, onto the 777, as Capts because their policy is totally flawed!
Actually the policy has not been changed, they don't want him at the top to lose face!
This latest move has only pissed off the Airbus guys due to be promoted (seniority whatever that means at EK) even more. its called crisis management, nothing more.
EGGW