very well said etlien...
as somebody who has lived in HK for many years at some point in my life, I agree completely with the post...
this is not to say that it is IMPOSSIBLE for a foreigner to live in HK....but for international cadets thinking about applying, think very carefully about 1.)living in HK and 2.)having someone more junior in rank getting paid more...
I can see why, as an applicant, people would simply say "yes its fine, I can manage, I can cope..."...especially given the prospect of being a Cathay pilot...however, just remember that living in a foreign country away from your family and friends is not for everyone and that at some point in your career you WILL find it unreasonable that someone who does the same job as you get extra allowances...
Again, I am not discouraging international applicants - I just feel it is important for ppl to acknowledge this before making the decision to apply to CX.
All the best.