Chance, you say ? I believe it's more closer to a guarantee !!! Hong Kong check in staff have to be the most ruthless I've seen and on numerous occasions I have heard through others traveling worldwide on leisure travel that they would rather look after their 'own' first before offering an expat an upgrade.
Classic lines such as 'Are you willing to accept an economy seat if business is full' is still being heard, despite a specific letter being sent out to one and all recently about this ! I wonder if a call to our super-heros above would be the panacea at a time like that, handing over the phone to the responsible check in staff member to explain him/herself ?
At most outports that I have heard of, the staff there will do EVERYTHING they can to give you a J Class seat etc if that's what you listed under.
Same team, same dream (in Hong Kong) ??? I seriously doubt it. Pack of a**holes, if you ask me...