I do my calculations the same way as Number Crunch. The last 7 years my C.O.S went one way. My friends in EK ,(now all Commanders, first time passes, in line with their career planning /management ) have seen only improvement. From CX graph being way ahead 7 years ago, the EK upward graph is now crossing the CX flat line (at best a flat line) . Then extend the two line’s 5 year into the future………..no brainer!
As far as lifestyle the only way is to go and visit 2 mate for a couple of days each and get the different perspectives and observe their everyday lifestyle.
Did not mind the sand up my a$$ as it was on a Harley and a kick a$$ scrambler, washed of kite surfing in crystal clear unpolluted water. Wife loved the driving to shopping mall out the car and in the shop in 200 meters not fighting a crowd, and my daughter is hooked on horse riding that is virtually free compare to Hong Kong price.
Everyone for himself, but financially compare apples with apples and CX is way behind