Don when I joined I did do due dillegence contrary to what you wrote. At the time 777 FOs were "only" flying 65-77 hours a month spending on who you talked to and no one was not getting their leave. If they weren't I didn't talk to them and it wasn't posted on pprune that I saw.
I was looking in 2011-12 not 2003. That is my reference. Was it bad when i was looking, maybe. But it was probably worse for the captains than the FOs.
The difference is when i don't like something I do something about it. We all know Emirates is not a good airline and it is only going to get worse for sure. So why stick around?
Was EK as bad 3 yrs ago as it is today? If it only is gong to get worse at Emirates and if tomorrow is going to be worse than today why stick around or why join? There are so many good options out there.