Middlepath, I think you're probably right about the mainland Chinese pilots being handed CX flightdeck postions on a plate in the not so distant future.
I agree that newly arrived expats no longer have any hope at achieving a long term career from 25 to 55 at CX, however, that should not negate the fact that, despite the war that is being waged between mgmt and the pilots, CX is one of only a few if not the only decent airline at which to gain entry with only 3500TT spent in King Airs and to then receive one's BOEING HEAVY ratings. Today it should be treated as a stepping stone along the pathway leading to a flight career to be achieved elsewhere. Anywhere else. This is the way I will be approaching the matter. I'm looking at doing 3 years as an S/O followed by 2 or 3 years as an F/O and BUHBYE CX.