Dudes, glad some of you are not part of management - or maybe you are! The ONLY reason for DEC's at EK, is that their are not enough NEW JOINERS to replace the F/O's moving to the left seat! Simple isn't it!
DEC's are being scaled down - a fact from recruitment. Having flown with DEC's and those who transitioned through the ranks, I can honestly say that those who upgraded from the RHS, are a better and safer bet than the majority of DEC's. Make no mistake, their are some really great individuals selected as DEC's, but the majority battles to get a company culture established. You can feel when you fly with them that they are still in thier previous employers mode of thinking - which can be scary at times.
If EK requires DEC's, employ them, if not, let them snooze!