Those that have resigned and are going to EK are glad they are going to EK. They see a future and were happy to go. I don't think any of them are fussed that EK are now taking guys and gals on LWOP. I think what this will do is tempt a lot of QF crew to 'have a look'. It enables them to convince the wife to pack up and go and have a look and see if it suits them. A lot of them may well decide to stay. It's not like QF will have improved much in the next three years anyway- not on any current estimations anyway.
As for where was it confirmed from, a former QF Captain now with EK and involved in the recruitment process has confirmed it to QF crew via Qrewroom.