The knowledge base required for the FAA ATP is practical, but minimal...the "continuing education" begins when one signs on to an airline and attends their training course. At the end of the day I've noticed that one's ability to complete training had nothing to do with where they obtained their licence, but more as to how they applied themselves during their training..seen good and bad with all sorts of licences...but the licence issue is quite often used as an excuse by those with other axes to grind..anyway just means more pilots for EK, EY, and every other carrier over here...