BKB
In answer to your questions;
The CAA do not make the decisions, the Department for Transport does. The CAA recommended a maximum extension of six months but the DfT does not have to accept this advice. I havn't had time to trawl through the websites to find out whether a decision has been made. perhaps you could give us the reference.
Hong Kong
N528MC
GSS depends on Atlas for it's aircraft supply. Atlas are unlikely to release a -400 for dry lease when they have the much more lucrative BA 'classic' wet lease.
Sorry, no. Not much 'gossip at the moment.
Airclues