This is indeed a tough one , would EK lie about the 11 paxs who made the flight ? If your bags didn't make it , I would use that as your standing leg that if your bags cannot make it to your connecting flight all within the minimum connection then how are you meant to ? Seeing and knowing how fast, automated and efficient the baggage system is I would say your friend was probably in a pretty tight connection , but if 11 paxs truly made it then I am afraid you friend should just call it a day !