Now imagine if Emirates replaced A380 on your route with something noisier and / or more cramped. I can't imagine that you'd be very pleased. Forgive me for putting words into your keyboard
You did not, you've read my mind.
but I guess that you'd start shopping around for a better deal?
Most definitely, yes.
Yes, Emirates has put their bet on mass tourism and the A380 fits this quite well. Cheap tickets x a fully loaded A380 does make quite some money, I guess.