Anyone who says they wouldn't rather be in a Major in their home country than at EK is deep in rationalisation mode- and I LIKE EK!
Even with the latest setbacks, there are far worse places to be (as our hold pool shows), but only if the chance to work for a first rate carrier in a Western Country is not available.
I think it's a big call for an American with a few years invested here to leave and be at the bottom of a very long seniority list, but I completely understand and wish them all the best.
What would be REALLY nice is if the current situation in the states sorted out the truley apalling conditions available to the Regional pilots in the US, negioiated by the same Unions that maintain the enviable conditions enjoyed by the Major pilots and trumpeted about here.