To answer your questions about (latest) expat conditions at CAL, I got these answers from the interview process.
Salary $4660 USD/month (for 70 hours overtime at regular hourly pay over that)
Income tax is 20% and will be deducted (if you work over 183 days you can get a partial rebate)
Housing $37,000NT or 1100USD / month (taxed) for TPE base only
Per Diem $2USD /hr
G/S and Sim pay is $2800USD/month
Line Indoc $4164 USD/month
hotel accomodations for up to 7 months during training
Training bond (non-typed) 3 years/$20000USD (pro rated at months left PLUS 2 months salary!)
ELO bases can be applied for only after line check and may or may not be available. no straight answers about them but I've heard MIA, FRA and maybe YVR on 747 so far and maybe SYD on 340. there may be more in the future but who knows.
hope this sheds some light on the cash gents. now the working conditions are what I'm trying to sort through
cheers