I don't agree with direct entry captain's, but accept that one has to look at the situation realistically, if EK has no-one elligable for an upgrade in the FO ranks then this is the only solution. However, if a direct entry captain starts on U$12000.00 plus, plus, plus... it begs the question, is that because the heavy metal he's gonna be driving from the left seat is in some way different to the heavy metal I drive from the left seat?
Because if it's not, then I presume he'll be doing nearly twice the amount of flying I'm doing.