I am sorry that you had a bad experience on EK.

Personally I go out of my way to fly them, but each to his own.

1- Check in personnel aren't EK employees rather the airport management, there is always an EK agent around to guide and help out. (at least at JFK and other international airports I flew from).
2- I avoid the 777, but love their new F class.

Try flying the 380s. You will love it.