The HKAOA has indeed in the past provided exactly the same support as it now is receiving. Recent "Requests for Mutual Assistance" responded to by the HKAOA include:
BeCA (Belgium) on behalf of Sabena - DAT - Sobelair;
US-ALPA on behalf of Atlas Airlines Inc (USA); and
Circulo de Pilotos de Chile (CPC).
There are many others, I can't be bothered to dig through them all.
Requests for mutual assistance typically include, amongst other things, an agreement to implement recruitment bans. This is seen by the international union movement as an effective industrial tool. Since the members of the HKAOA have helped other unions worldwide in this way for many years, it is only right and proper that they should receive such assistance in return.
Now some could argue that the participation in recruitment bans by the HKAOA in the past is of little moment, and had negligible effect, and so should be discounted. Such arguments cut both ways, however; if that is the case then the argument also applies to the current ban.
If you are a member of an IFALPA union then you are obliged to uphold the ban. If you are not a member you can make up your own mind.
It has also been argued that the recent joiners had to join because they were unemployed. This is untrue. Not one recent joiner to CX was unemployed. Out of all the airlines in the world available to them, including remaining in their current jobs, they chose to join an airline (CX) under a recruitment ban.
Others claim that joining an airline is a one-off, do-it-now-of-forever-forsake-it, decision. That is also untrue. Amongst the 100,000+ jobs in aviation, there is never a time when each and every one is closed to you.
Those who recently joined? Their decision. They can expect that such lack of concern for pilots who really are unemployed - the 49ers - will be reciprocated should they ever find themselves in need of assistance.
The answer to your question Wizofoz, is that the HKAOA provides assistance to fellow union members. They are not an employment agency. You are expected to find your own jobs. However, people on this web site, such as myself, have been highlighting the many options available to you. You may find on this site reams of information and advice on joining a huge number of airlines. Such jobs may be temporary or permament; they can be stepping stones to CX in future years or to some other airline you decide to go for in the future.
We all expect to have a career flying for 30 to 40 years. Every pilot in the world is going to change employers at some stage. You will be judged each and every time on your past professional actions. Never expect a job to be permanent - ask those who've recently been furloughed. Why risk a permanent black mark against your name by joining under a ban when there are so many other options available?