...they interviewed 50 people and accepted NONE.
May be getting things abit mixed up there I think possibly.
Yes the failure rate is high, only 50% of those interviewed are passing stage 1 (Cairo) but first of all, the offers to attend Cairo assessments are heavily culled from ones initial application and CV/experience. Many are not offered the opportunity to start with. Cairo - Approx ten per day are assessed and interviewed over one or two days as time allows. There is simply not enough hours in the day for more. Interviews monthly and Course starts monthly also, all types.
There is a big demand for experienced crew globally now but SV's is not the huge (and ever increasing) amount that EK/EY & QR need now. As an example, EK have a 5% attrition currently as many head home to BA/Virgin/UA/AA/Delta etc or take up lesser contracts closer to home (VA/CA etc). QR have two new aircraft per month arriving and need >300 pilots this year. EK need only a lazy 400 to replace the resignations last year then another 300+ to alleviate current crewing issues plus new aircraft arriving. Well you can have a guess about EY and their needs too. Then there is Ethiopian, Turkish Delight, Vietnam, EVA, China Nth Sth East & West; Korea; EU summer contracts... and yes Saudia with their "hat in the ring" too.
People are simply moving to where the rostering is not fatiguing and Terms & Conditions are more favourable for themselves.
P.S. Skyworker : No, not with that attitude. (Amateurs need not apply!)