The issue is not linked to the special meals. It is linked to service level in Y on EK I think.

I found it very slow (not because of special meals but simply the time between take off and the first cart).

Unfortunately, ordering a special meal is indeed a (very selfish) way to be served a bit sooner.

Anyone who takes only a few flights in Y with EK can understand that therefore I'm not surprised at all that it has now gone so far...