Thanks for the replies.
Surely though money is the only factor.
If Emirates is: a) losing pilots b) cant employ sufficient crews to replace those leaving let alone crew-up for expansion, c) facing a hitherto unknown global shortage of aircrews and d) seeing a more discerning group of aircrew who do not wish to have families or themselves live in Dubai, then something has to give.
Tim Clarke may have made his comments some time ago but things have changed - and drastically. DEC's were the tip of the iceberg.
Parking A380s and 777s against the fence is more expensive than basing pilots and paying them more. Unless EK plans to lease out it's aircraft purchases to other airlines they will need to offer better T&C to thier aircrew and basings would be probably No 1 on the list.