Billy your posts are concise, clear and insightful.
A few points that some individuals keep bringing up in favour of the DEC policy, prove that these same individuals argue by use of mistruths.
For example, most pilots who leave EK would seek a DEC position elsewhere even though they argue against the policy at EK. NO KIDDING, you simpletons!
The difference is that EK has put in writing the progression of pilots within the company. Eligible F/O's FIRST. Then accelerated command types. Then DEC's. The company HAS NEVER RUN OUT OF ELIGIBLE F/O's in my time here.
Other companies offering DEC positions have historically REQUIRED DEC's and they make NO pretense otherwise. So accepting a DEC position at Korean for example, is not at all the same as accepting a DEC position at EK.
There is one truth though, that those hired recently SHOULD have known the tendency of this company, even though the company states in writing that DEC's will be a last resort.
The truth of the matter is that the beginning of the DEC policy simply increased the chances that DEC's might be required in the future because most prospective pilots who noticed this, would decline offers as an F/O. The fact is, that the recent delays to upgrades have nothing to do with a lack of eligible F/O's, but everything to do with a lack of resources to carry out the normal upgrades.
Is that the fault of F/O's? Clearly not.
The DEC policy is simply in place to save money and resources. Nothing more. Anyone who argues otherwise does not know the facts or is trying to justify jumping the queue. (or perhaps is just an idiot)
Sadly, most DEC's are painted with the same brush as these morons. I have a suspicion the policy would still be controversial but not so hated, if not for the minority of idiots who put all DEC's in a bad light.
I still believe the DEC policy is NOT COST EFFECTIVE when taking into account all factors. I cannot prove this belief but when taking into account the resultant loss of suitable F/O applicants, the hit on morale, the loss of pilots, and the bizarre behaviour of the minority of DEC's, it surely outweighs the short term cost savings.
Long term thinking, with respect to the welfare of employees, is not exactly the strong point of this company.