xwind--I think most, reasonable, people would agree with you!!
In the end the discussion about DEC's has to be more specific. A DEC coming off a 777/330/340 should be able to transition fairly easily. He knows the aircraft and only has to transition to new SOP's, EK highly variable route network and the multitude of nationalities that he will work with (which can be challenging).
While I don't like the idea of DEC's and, as a captain, it doesn't affect me I hope they bring in experienced typed pilots.
I do, however, take issue with the viewpoint that some hold that because they are a captain on a 737 in Europe that they feel qualified to captain a 777 on EK's network. In my opinion, and it is only an opinion, that is pushing the bounds what is realistic.
A DEC on a new type, in this environment, with all the issues mentioned above is simply asking for something to happen.
From what I hear they do only plan to bring in experienced currently typed captains--I hope they stick to the plan.