DT, the reality is that the guys hired to the 777 a couple of years ago are now realising the promises of 3-4 year commands sworn to them by the deputy chief at their 6 month round up are going to be more like 7-8, with anyone hired since needing more 77W orders to get one at all through expansion..
Without any announcement for or against the 350 coming, and the retirement of the 330/340 fleet and 40 odd 777's between now and 2020, commands for new hires today are blowing out to 10+ years unless you get a spot on the 380 in the next year or so..
No more quick commands means they don't need 4000 (2500 glass) hour pilots anymore because the new hires will get plenty of time in the EK right seat before upgrade. Lowering the hours to 2000 is an indication the they're not getting 4000 hour guys applying anymore, which they don't need, so its just business..
As far as upping the bond goes, they're just setting their target audience. Young guys with 2000hrs who are planning on coming to and staying in the sandpit for a longer amount of time.