Hello Ray:
I believe you are qualified for the F/O spots. I personally know of 2 individuals with less time (jet & PIC) than you joining as DE Freighter FOs.
In answer to your post, the best advice I can give you is to pull out ALL STOPS to get whatever job you can at Cathay. If they ask you if you have a preference - FO or SO, you can certainly be honest, but if they offer you an SO job, I would not hesitate one second in accepting it.
Here are my reasons:
1. Not many people get a second chance to join after turning them down. ( It is possible, but why chance it)
2. I believe the SO position is a great way to join Cathay, learn the ropes, and see the world. You will get world class training on world class equipment. You may not land and take off for a few years, but you will definitely feel like part of the crew and enjoy coming to work. If you are the type of person who makes the best of any situation, I think your 3 years will go by quickly. Also, there is the chance that a question about your willingness to join as an SO is just a way to check your level of comitment to joining Cathay.
3. The realities of the global surplus pilot situation could change in the near future. If you are on the sidelines "thinking" about coming to Cathay when you are more qualified for the DE FO spots, and Air Canada or United goes beyond bankrupt and into liquidation, the number of potential candidates may drown you out of contention.
4. If you truly want to end your career at Cathay, it only makes sense you get in the door as quickly as possible. What base you get, what routes you fly, or what seat you sit in is all secondary to the first step.
That's it for tonight. Good luck Ray.