Two points.
1. Dear Capt Doe.
I tend to agree with the " An airplane is an airplane" So could you explain why all the US majors pay a 777 diver a lot more than the regional’s pay an E145 driver for as you guys say in the states “I have no clue!”
2. Also whilst agreed the East coast in the winter can be a challenge it is also fair to say you have numerous options (airfields) if diversion is required.
It's not really the same flying over K2 and having an engine failure and then trying to explain to the DEC where the engine out drift down options are located in the manuals that some (Due arrogance) have neglected to read.
As I have said before, not all are bad but the ones that come here with attitude are dangerous. Even more so because they don’t even know they are dangerous.
Now EK is to blame for the ridiculous policy but the DEC’s are also responsible for their attitude. Gents try treading lightly and acting professionally(Some not All). Again the ones that should take this advise are the ones that will ignore it
Billy