Was hand lotion at least available at any point in the journey provided by EK as an attempt to assuage your personal hygiene issues?

I would of course note that airlines are not liable for consequential losses such as loss of face from failing to deliver gifts promised privately to your friends.

Neither did the rules vary - EK did exactly what they promised: delivered the bags to their destination according to the contract you agreed to.

What did happen was that staff bent or broke the rules to allow you to pick up the bag at the transit point. There is no obligation to allow this.

I agree that the rules should not vary - and they should be enforced consistently, it would make life easier for everyone in the airline industry.