Really tough for FOs, disappointing, demoralizing and it certainly taints the way they see the company just when the company needs everyone working together!!! With a down turn I can see why they may delay upgrades, however I cannot understand and cannot see any justification for DECs when we have a wealth of capable FOs already here and waiting.
On a brighter note, I was lead to believe that due to the binding contracts signed with the aircraft manufacturers EK cannot cancel orders as it would lead to penalty payments which are crippling, therefore the only thing it can do is delay delivery. Thus the aircraft will still arrive, if slightly later than expected, hence there may still be upgrade posibilties in the future. But this will mean nothing to you if you have already seen some DEC bypass you.
(Won't rant on about DECs too much but haven't seen one yet who has impressed me!!)