the DEC concept came to fruition in the autumn of 2003...
I think you'll find a few EK pilots who had their commands delayed significantly by DECs many, many years before 2003. Try 1992 - (Ask any grey haired old timer about Erwin K., that fine DEC from 'over there'. [Do, it's quite a story, and from what I've heard from FOs, we've got a few Erwins among the current crop.])
With the sudden glut of yo-know-whos from across the pond now available and clamouring for jobs, (even with 'them Ay-rabs'), I fear we're going to see
a lot more of them, on all fleets. (Note that I said 'all', not 'both' - I include the big 'un, and sooner than many might believe.)