Yes you did Eric. There was a lot of information around for you to work out what was happening. And the Rumour buster didn't really lie did it, as it was another 3 years until they took DECs again.
Just take a look at this forum during the recent DEC hiring. One thread about DEC hiring and how FOs are being shafted, and another thread by wannabes saying that they feel bad because their start dates are sliding because of DECs. These same wannabes will be on here in a few years saying that they are being shafted because there are no upgrades due to DECs and saying its not their fault because they didn't know.
Tell me Eric, if you feel bad because some DEC has taken your command, is it ok for a more senior FO on the Bus to feel bad for a junior FO on the Boeing to be upgraded years before him? Is this any different?
The Don