If you want to be very concerned look at the following site which contains a diagram of the radiation hazard during this period which not unexpectedly shows the greatest hazard in the high north / south latitudes
Solar radiation storm sweeps over Earth | Cutting Edge - CNET News
So why didn't Cathay re route their flights in accordance with the manuals
When warnings of high geomagnetic or solar radiation are present flights will be routed using non polar route.
Simple answer, because it would have cost more in time and fuel and that is all they care about.
The space storm had been on every news broadcast worldwide so everyone was aware of the dangers of flying during this period
A re-route despite costing more could have been a
PR bonanza for the company if handled correctly .
" Ladies and Gents this is the Capt We will not be taking our usual routing because the Company is very concerned about exposing you to the additional radiation hazard from the recent space storm"
Well now we all know that the Company is never going to reroute a flight due to radiation hazard and what's in the manuals is simply there to make you feel better. For the junior crew who will be doing this 2-3 times a month for 20-30 years IF you live that long I do not envy you .
I cannot understand that there has been so little comment on this subject