Late to get back to this thread, but the reason I first mentioned EK was because the OP said "with the intent of saving a few odd thousand". Given that, it sounded like price was the major consideration, so options that save cost would be welcomed.

Then he thought that a crazy routing via Moscow was a good deal, even though it was more expensive than the FRA route he mentioned first up, which was pretty confusing. He also said "While I see the value elsewhere my family disagrees" implying it's quality that is more important.

Then it turned out it's actually for corporate & SC reasons. That's fine, but if he hadn't implied otherwise no one would have suggested other airlines.

And yeah - storm in a teacup. Great line.