If you get two marks with a comment whether meaningful or not, it will be cause for missing your upgrade. CX has had numerous candidates pass check rides, only to be knocked back by a review board because of something insignificant.
Some candidates have had 4 checks and even passed the third by the Chief Pilot but got knocked back. The fourth Checker made sure there was no reason as the candidates job was on the line.
I dare say your friend told CX to take the job and stick it after the 2nd or 3rd check, but very few will do that. Most just get on their knees. The only way to get ahead, is to give it. That is the Cathay way.