Mohican, agree with much of what you say. I worked for EK, probably the major competitor, and the wages are not more than QF. It may be that the perceived in the hand is more but this is not a cost to the company. Singapore don't pay more, again you may end up with more in the hand but it's not fel in the companies wage bill. I can't speak to CX B scales except anecdotally, but HK is an expensive place to live and much of the wage gain is again in the low tax base.
Teresa appreciate your loyalty. If QF were to fold then the real value to Oz that would be lost are those legacy practices that added real value to the industry, safety, training, engineering excellence etc. Proud history aside, it is of no difference to me or many people I know whether the entity survives except for the many good people employed by them. They are not legislated as the National Carrier.