Stagnation would be the same at both companies. Taxes? Take-home not that great at Cathay anymore either after you factor in cost. House allowance? Ok, that's a slight advantage there as long as your ok with living apartment life and breath that wonderful HKG air for the rest of your life, not even considering what's better for raising a family.
I'd rather "stagnate" living somewhere in Euro, not being knackered all the time from ULR, and work for a CO with decent work rules and a union that actually has some influence and balls. In the end I would be much happier and probably live longer. Sorry but in my opinion Cathay sucks balls. Would be my last choice. Not my first.
My opinion tho...