Thanks for the laugh and outrageous speculation, you didn't get a single point right! LOL
I joined with over 5000 hours, yes as an S/O for 20 months, never flew the 777 and went on a base as soon as possible. (guess I should update my pprune profile
My decision to join CX was made at a relatively young age, before I realised the importance of lifestlye, before marriage and before kids. It was NOT based on finances! I thought it would be exciting to live and work in H.K. and the first few years were fun, but another 20 years of crossing the Pacific 2-3 times a month is not that stimulating.
The only way to make CX financially worthwhile over AC is to live in H.K. and take advantage of the housing allowance by buying a flat. That's why I made the reference to DB, it wasn't a statement of my lifestyle, but an observation of how those who claim great wealth from CX, live their lives in H.K.
If you enjoy it, than all the power to ya! However, the thread was a question of comparing CX & AC and there is a lot more to a company than the basic salary. I didn't even touch on staff travel!
Most of all, as meaw said, check your facts before rambling on!