Anyone that even attempts to compare China Airlines to Cathay is off their rocker. If the prospect of signing a 3yr bonded contract, having no fair advancement system in place for upgrading, scheduling, etc., being hated by most permanent employees, conducting 12hr+ flights in silence, and living in the ugliest city in Asia appeals to you, then I guess there could be a case made. Regarding the Freighter F/O pay - CAL F/O pay, the Freighter F/O would be living in North America or Europe (home) whereas the CAL F/O would most likely be living in Taipei. If you really want to compare the pay to CX, compare the HK mainline rates to the CAL rates. I think you will find that even a new joining S/O at CX does better when all things are considered.