I know I will get slammed, but even with the "disappointing" changes in working rules and the still unresolved housing situation (yes I am part of the people still waiting) I consider EK's package way better than others in the Gulf area. I guess its a symptom of "the grass is always greener on the other side". Just look at the people at QR, GF and EY saying that "you should look at EK first"....
As far as your question about recent EK's loads, for what I have seen they have been mixed. I have flown both oversold and almost empty. It seems the decay has been in the premium classes though.
Hope it helps.