It has to be frequency (or a lack of). Ung1, if you're flying 6 sectors a year in Y between probably the 2 worst city pairs in the EK network - then that's understandable (ie SIN-DXB-SIN). Worst as in very elite heavy - not uncommon to have 38 Golds in a 42 capacity J cabin.

Come on a flight with me from SIN to MEL. I can virtually guarantee a pleasant trip!

But groobs your lack of op-ups worries me! What sectors typically? Did you upset someone in a past life?