TP,
I agree with everything you said and I think you're probably one of the most level headed people for anyone who's considering EK, to talk to. You've always given a fair and honest opinion about all things EK. Which given the rantings on Ppune, is pretty much unique.
There aren't a lot of opportunities for anyone at the moment, whether you're furloughed mainline or overworked regional but it's very easy to get blinkered by the big jets and money that EK bases their recruitment on.
All I'm advocating, is that anyone who is serious about EK, should look at all the pro's and con's. You're locked in for 3 years if you join and it's not the most "homley" place if you end up unhappy.
I do understand the appeal, after all, had the world not gone to sh!t and Boeing not gone on strike, I would have been there for over a year now.