Excuse my ignorance here but some of these guys are late 20's with no previous command. They joined EK with 2500 hours and they're bleating due to a 5 year wait? Really? Perhaps they should have gone to BA and waited a minimum of 15 years for a short haul command. I've heard that 'Y' generation have a reputation for 'this is my divine right' attitude but that is taking the proverbial big time.
Whilst there is no excuse for dressing like and having a face like a torn scone, perhaps any discontent is simply a case of 'the quicker I can get my command then the quicker I can leave this place'. Especially so if they are thinking of their exit strategy so soon.