Just the facts....
As of latest count, approx 136 FCNs, 17 who hold pax cmd seniority if they came to hkg and approx 14 who are within 2 years of holding pax cmd.
I believe Jacobus was referring only to ex-Paris-based FCNs when he made his comment. How many ex-Paris FCNs are still frtr only in hkg? 5-6 with 1-2 of those not making the trip and in a legal limbo status. 2-3 of the remaining hold or are within months of pax seniority leaving 2 guys more than 2 years away.
Accepting less money/conditions than an FO? FCNs make 15% more than an FO with the same time in service on the unified pay scale.
As to commuting rosters (not sure where the original reference to this was made), I think the idea would be to operate to and from the prospective port of choice, not PT.
Interestingly, had a bbq with an old friend who flies FedEx based in hkg. A few years ago not many wanted the hkg package so it went very junior for command. Guys with 5-6 years "jumped" ahead of others to come to hkg in the left seat. Normal upgrade time is 10 -12 years at the moment. Of course, if they go back to Memphis or wherever it is in the right seat.
Cheers,
Soda