What you forget is based pilots, as “cheap” as they may be, do nothing for the HK economy. Unlike resident pilots who spend lots of money in HK, creating employment, business and opportunity via the multiplier effect of every dollar being re-spent countless times in country.
Pressure will be brought to bear on CX to minimize bases in order to keep that money recirculating in country. You can be sure that in these difficult times every dollar matters for the HK government and directly or indirectly they can influence outcomes.