345 - I really don't think anyones "trying garner sympathy" with the "unhappy" off handed comments - so dont try and twist the thread in that direction. And I do agree with you, that if it where true, SQ would be a ways behind a lot of other airlines - especially ones in the region you are, or about to work in!
Parabellum - very true and good points. I might add one suggestion is that the expat you describe is generally an SQ expat. There certainly are Expats in Singapore that fall into the absolutely everything provided category.