"Tim Clark won't be here forever"...........
Mmmmm, what about his predecessor then? My forecast is TC will be here till he pops his clogs. Retire? After running a Company for many years, I can't see him sipping G&T's in Malaga. He'll be here for many years to come yet, so please get real about basings.
As for shortage of pilots; yes there is, but wait till they open up the gates allowing FO's to go Direct onto the A380. There won't be a shortage then...
Only my guess though!