Previous hold pool.
Aveo,
The last hold pool I think you are referring to, was in 2008. That was at a time when there wasn't a 30 tonne requirement, let alone a 55 tonne requirement.
From my understanding, the "pool" had about 120 in it - some with international "heavy" time, some without and others with everything in between.
Those found most suitable to Emirates' requirements at the time were taken from the "pool". The rest were told they had to re-interview at a later date (that date or any extension not known to me).
I do know at least one that had updated their online applications and were given interview dates to choose from, as recently as early 2012 (these were deferred due to their other commitments). So, after 4 years, they still had their applications "active".
Don't know if any of that information is helpful, but good luck.