It seems to me that EK is like apple. It is the power of the brand is what keeps management pushing its employees to the limit. I bet most iPhone users wont stop buying iPhones or apple products if they heard about apple phones exploding or catching fire for no reason. I wouldn't be surprised if airlines like EK have made studies to see how they would be affected if they lost an aircraft and I'm pretty sure if these studies exist, EK can afford to lose an airplane.
There will always be a large number of pilots around the planet who would love a chance for an interview at an airline like EK, even if they read every negative post on this website about the conditions there. It is just the power of the brand.