Keepitreal,
Entry requirements were lowered to 2000hr modern jet to try and get people in the door. EK believes shiny big jets might be more attractive to the young. DECs were hired in the past to fill gaps. Just like they will be again.
No matter what the reason, the end result is the same. The hiring of DECs will delay the progress of FOs in company. It did this way back in 2003 just like it does now. The only difference is that those fellas in 2003 had more experience, and were lied to by the company when it happened. All FOs now knew what they were joining.