I have observed among the EK pilots that there is a growing realisation as to how things are deteriorating rapidly in relation to remuneration for work.
Most have now absorbed the truth of the decreasing "real" salaries as belts are tightened and the little luxuries forsaken. Some of stories particularly from F/O's are tough. They never realised what it would actually cost to have a reasonable quality of life in Dubai.
The second car gets sold, the wife travels further afield to get the better prices, allowances are carefully watched as they now contribute to the monthly bills, kids activities are curbed, club memberships are dropped. The list goes on.
The reason people stay is varied. For many its the rating or command prospects. Others have defined exit points relating to a stage in kids schooling, processing of alternative employment, setting up a company, gaining immigration etc.
However the important point is that unlike before when the pilot mentality was to stay indefinitely, this has swung to looking forward to the day when objectives are met and they can move on away from the traffic and the inequitable and contemptious treatment.
The company will monitor this closely but I believe are at a risk of mistiming or being caught by some unforeseen event. Rather like an over exuberant stock market, someone suddenly shouts sell and all run for the door. This can be difficult to control.
In this case it takes time to actually leave, but if the basic groundwork has been prepared, EK may get an unpleasant surprise. Then those at the top will ask the middle why they did not see it coming.