Traf, I was referring to KA standard contract ( C scale ) guys. CX SOs earn considerably less that ka DEFOs and no doubt would be better off in the short term in EK.
No one can prepare a new joiner for how poor the quality of flats in Hong Kong are, especially those rancid shoe boxes guys are happy to call home in Tung Chung/ Olympic.
Bring your mates over from virgin or BA or Qantas and they will pi$$ their pants at what low standards of living C scale pilots are accepting . And paying through the nose for it all .