Boeing 787
I doubt if your friend knows any more than White Knight as to what EK have in mind as regards DEC's in the future.
On the other hand perhaps WK has the ear of management?
All I know it is expensive and time consuming to upgrade a F/O and then have to replace him with another.It is not as if by all accounts F/O's are leaving in droves. Airlines that employ expats have always done whatever they like as they know that most of you have little option but to stay.
The problem with DEC's is getting the right ones who are already type rated and EK route experienced which saves time and money getting out on the line. EK have a very extensive route structure in some very demanding areas so EK if they had any sense would upgrade F/O's who are up to speed if unable to attract decent DEC's.
On the otherhand I believe that DEC's were not involved in either of the two A340 incidents at JNB and MEL?