Bud,
Wouldn't disagree. Emirates safety culture has been dented but whilst accepting the principle in any other industry if you cost your employer money through reckless action you would be locked up. Look at the financial industry.
I do not know if they were reckless but by 'resigning' they retained benefits and have a chance of getting their lives back. If they were found culpably negligent and then fired, the chances of getting a job in the future would I suspect be reduced. If a decision was taken that they were legally responsible for the damage under UAE law, I shudder to think what might result.
Maybe there are other angles to the story.