Sure, it is nice to be able to plan ahead, but load factors can change quickly and unexpectedly especially when there are canceled flights due weather, strikes, weight limits etc. You can choose not to travel outbound, but once you are away I would certainly expect to be allocated ANY available seat to get me back home. I know Singapore is popular on all airlines, but so is Bangkok and lots of other places. Many times my family and young children have traveled business on BA staff travel when economy was full, no big deal and great for our comfort and to get us back home. If EK cannot accommodate its own staff and help them out once in a while, it certainly tells a story about the general attitude and I am sure few will disagree. So can you buy firm ID50 business seats for the family?