IMO, EK changed the mins because they could. They currently have plenty of applicants that meet their new (totally random) requirements and they believe they will be able to meet their staffing needs that way.
As a former ERJ and current Airbus F/O, there are very few differences operationally. As a matter of fact, I think Embraer 'borrowed' much of their design philosophy from Airbus including the FMS. What I'm saying is the smaller ERJ was so similar that I think EK is full of it for using that as an excuse.
I am speculating now, but I believe a bigger issue may have been the format of the training. I am currently flying outside of the US (again) and the training- (manuals/captains/department) is far different than in the US. Technical knowledge is highly valued and much less emphasis placed on experience and aircraft handling. Their way is the ONLY way to do things and if you deviate even slightly, i.e. XYZ 123 on the missed vs. XYZ 123 on the missed approach, it's a debrief item.
It may be a huge disappointment to some right now, but I believe in a few years those that were slighted may be better off staying closer to home. The adjustment to the desert climate is the smallest adjustment you would’ve had to make.
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