I’m considering a similar move, but from a cargo operator.
I think it’s just the sad state of our industry that conditions are changing (degrading) in response to the market. Without the protection of unions, EK is probably changing quicker than other big players, except maybe the US, but everyone is heading in that general direction. Have a bunch of UK based friends at BA and Virgin who aren’t exactly deliriously happy atm.
I regard it as a personal decision based on your own attitude to some of the undoubted challenges, and arguably most importantly how you judge your fiancé/family are able to cope with these challenges for the next 5+ years. I’m ME based currently and have no doubts that the expat lifestyle doesn’t suit everyone.
Good luck if you decide to apply