Shaft,
A couple of things...
Firstly, and I don't know that they have but if EK has allowed the Jan-Apr poolies expire and that halves the pool. Then that might make sense to them as I've heard the pool has been around 100 deep and only 50-56 are needed. Possibly more, possibly less per the email.
Secondly, I'd be curious to know what the experience level and background is of those that were interviewed in JAN '08 and subsequently put in the pool. The guys I know that were interviewed in Jan, were on courses in April.