WTF PokeandBrew? I haven't heard any DEC, US or otherwise make a complaint of what you are refering. It will be the Yanks, Candians, and S. Americans who want to spend some time in their home country that will be really hurt by this new policy. Takes three days of travel just to get to and from. And probably all of the US pilots are used to a pure seniority based bidding system with no rotation at all. Maybe you know of someone who has made your suggestion, but believe me it would very isolated. Oh damn, I forgot, it's Bush's fault. Mesaboy?
All that aside, this will kill recruiting in the west. They might as well not even think of spending any money on roadshows in Canada or the US. The whole perspective of EK has now changed.