Just my 2BD, but going commercial on most of the Gulf Airlines, I personally always book EK to fly home during personal leave. A lot has been said of declining service on EK, but the IFE, seat arrangements and legroom keep me coming back. As most CC are now E. Asian, I don't see a difference in service or pedigree in any Gulf airline. They are all better than any of my employers, and always go the extra mile for me. As a matter of fact, my impression of Cathay was not all that positive in comparison to EK, EY, or QR. I would give the award for most appealing CC to Royal Jordanian, hands down the best looking of the group.