Yeah, well if only a certain pocket of 744 Captains would have the balls to say NO to flying the freighter (as many of them are entitled to).
While I can understand that the F/O's are 'pursuaded' to fly under the not-so-subtle veiled threat of having their upgrades delayed, there is no reason for the Captains to do so. This is where some pressure can be brought to bear.
Captain Xxxxx - a quiet word in your ear.......
And as for the wonderful new offer of HKG freighter bases on local terms.. What a great precedent to set. If you take it and get screwed, you deserve it! Mind you, it makes sense. There's no money in freight, right???