Fos, I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Emirates is my fourth airline (5th if you include military) in over 30 years of flying wide body aircraft and I have to say the standards I continually see on the Flight Deck are right up there with the best I have ever seen.
Given the way the diverse nationalities and associated cultures that inhabit an Emirates Flight Deck get along professionally and socially, I would have to say that Emirates has got its recruitment standards pretty much spot on.
Hours requirements may get lowered but it won't (I hope) affect the basic skill sets and personality scope that we have had since way before I joined.