Anybody think this has less to do with disparity in the top/bottom bids, and more to do with the disparity in the training vs line pilot roster? This may stop guys from leaving training to enjoy day off strings and may even entice some to join since they are getting a crap roster anyway. Sounds like one of EK managements think outside the box "cost neutral" solutions...
Whatever their motivation, this is a bad idea and will haunt them far worse and longer than their previous cost neutral forays.
Have to go and prepare my CV.