When was the last lot of DEC hired at EK...2007/2008, its not that long ago. There was plenty of discussion about this, and lots of mention of how the then FO community was being bypassed. But still you decided to join. The only thing that is different now, is that it may cause you a delay and not someone else.
Minibus FOs have been bypassed for years by their Boeing comrades and the junior guys give no thought to jumping the list in this case. But that's somehow different right?
To claim that only dodgy pilots from dodgy operations would apply to be DEC at EK makes me wonder where you came from if you decided to give up the left seat to come here as an FO. This argument makes no sense.
We use to think that the hiring of DECs in the past would stop FOs from applying here. It didn't, you all applied and took the job when offered. If you look at the foum about interview info for EK you will find people willing to sell their grandmothers to come here. Once the do arrive, we will have to wait 3yrs or so until the Big Shiny Jet Syndrome starts to wear off them and they too complain about DECs.
At least we got our leave...oh wait there, no we didn't.
The Don