BYB is pretty well on the mark, EK does not recruit pilots direct to the Left seat, 3 years to command is pretty well the norm nowadays, most people pass their command upgrades because they are recruited correctly to start with.
Cockpit gradient is pretty shallow MOST of the time, you will be treated largely as an equal MOST of the time.
Emirates is a great airline to work in for all kinds of reasons, wether you can give up a left seat for a few years and occasionally bite your tounge is up to you.
Finally to all those who are applying, don't give up, the recruitment system takes time, no matter how much experience you have.