I've been in EK a long long time. Some rules:
1) Don't believe anything until you see it.
2) What is promised at a meeting (Particularly of just training staff!) seldom results in much.
3) EK looks at everything - New planes, new routes, new financial incentives. They are all discussed. It doesn't mean they materialise. They are simply considered.
30% - If you believe this, I've got a bridge to sell you. My guess is about 7-10%. That will make up for the drop in the USD and keep us ticking over.
The grumbling will go on. A few will leave, the airline will replace them and continue making good profits. Cost of living will rise at least 15% and the traffic will get worse. New methods to relieve you of cash will be devised. EK will increase productivity with novel new ideas to offload duties into your own time. That's the prognosis for 2007. Get used to it - its happened every year.
Take it or leave it. It could be worse.
Aside from all that Happy New Year to all my fellow aviators.