I agree with much of this, just wonder why they didn't go for the MAN-HKG direct on the A340 without the Moscow stop. I think the cargo on the A340-300 would be restricted perhaps so not ideal? Predating the arrival of the B77W as well......now there's a thought! I couldn't see QANTAS back but Cathay seem a better candidate.
The onworld hub in question is LHR but they are a decade away from bring T3 up to T5 standards to have good connections with UK domestics from T3. Ah Britain....we're quite rubbish at this sort of thing you know!