On the other hand the US govt is under lobbying pressure from their airlines due to the increasing presence and threat of ME airlines. EK is increasing presence in top markets like IAH/LAX/SFO/JFK. At the same time the US airlines are under scrutinity regarding duty and flight time limitations as a result of recent accidents related to fatigue. It is notable to hear rumors concerning abolishment of EK's disatrous factoring for total time calcs. The GCAA didn't give a rodents backside up to now, but with the increasing ASRs and the (not yet, but undercoverly looming) pressure from the FAA to play to the same rules as their airlines (over their airspace), I guess there will be a effect.
Keep those ASRs rolling, dear collegues. It's the one and only thing that hurts them. Fatigue, fatigue, fatigue -> every little drop will count.