It's about reciprocity.
Air service agreements are supposed to be mutually beneficial. There's no doubt that EK would kick ACs' butt. You can't deny the contestants aren't evenly matched.
EK doesn't represent anything but the ultimate manipulation of ASAs. Because the market is there doesn't mean you have the right to grab it all.
No one can compete against the EK behemoth and thrive.
I'm no fan of Air Canada either but it's no fight when the 98 lb vegan weakling is battling the gorilla on steroids.
Go and beat your chest elsewhere guys, it ain't going to happen till the rules change and the wimps' training regimen is done.