If you lose your job it is a no brainier. However when you compare apples to apples EK does not stand up.
A-380 QF Captain. $380,000. 80 hours
A-380 EK Captain. $160,000. 95 hours
A-380 QF SO. $180,000. 80 hours
For the pilots not going to get downgraded or made redundant at QF they would be foolish to come to the sand. Include in your calculations the treatment of Arab style management, no unions, no CASA and a 14 hour plane trip home if you can get on the flights.