Ability and experience are 2 very different things.
Guys with great ability can be let down by a lack of experience and, unfortunately, some guys with great experience can still be let down by a lack of ability.
The knack, from a recruiting pov, is keeping the overall balance (and the insurers and
PR junta) happy.
I suspect that commercial expediency is being put in front of all other concerns here. But don't just blame EK. Most low cost airlines are doing the same thing and EK is just finding its level in the global market place.