Economy is pretty much of a muchness across airlines these days. EK used to be much better as they had ICE and better legroom. Other airlines have caught up with IFE, and the legroom has been cutback slightly.

I have to say it's been a few years since I've done EK Y, so no current experience.

Regarding the blinds, I think this is pretty common across airlines. Some people want to sleep, others don't.