Hardly an explosion and I too know people in those airlines. Not the same as experiencing them though, is it?
With the greatest of respect, perhaps advice from those that have actually experienced both sides of the long haul/short haul coin as well as having lived and worked as an expat might be better. You have no actually experience of any of those airlines he's asked about. You've even recommended one not on his list! That was my point.
bringbackthe80s
Too bloody right I need some leave!