It really doesn't matter what current EK guys think, the upper management, which apparently has not been the brightest, past or present, finds themselves in a pickle.
They need more bodies, yet the ones they have (some anyway) are not especially satisfied.
This very same situation was also at SV years ago, and the management there was quite open about the subject...don't like our policies, quit and move on.
Many expats stayed, some moved on, but nevertheless the airline, which is the olderest in the middle east, survives to this day...with or without complainers.
If EK can recruit new Commanders directly (with perhaps an increased salary incentive) and the First Officer hiring pool is full, why would EK then pay extra to upgrade present First Officers?
Hiring outside has been, and always will be, the more cost effective option.
And, by doing so, the EK management has another tangible benefit...it weeds out those who might otherwise be a thorn in managements side.