I think where the arrangement sucks is the perceived inequity in that QF is only flying MEL-DXB, SYD-DXB once a day whilst EK has multiple frequencies and BNE, ADL, PER as well. If the flying DXB-Oz was split 50/50 then I suspect any negativity around the arrangement would be lessened.
Agreed, and the capacity inequity becomes even greater when the QF787 MEL-PER-LHR starts as it simply replaces the existing QF A380 MEL-DXB-LHR.
From the same date EK has announced it will upgrade all its 3x daily MEL-DXB services to A380s instead of a mix of B777/A380 !!