The problem with decent layovers is that they haven't existed for a very long time and aren't likely to return since we're run by accountants nowadays and a decent 'destination' doesn't equate to a decent layover when you're there for just beyond minimum rest. My intel re the US rumour is that it's related to bringing in freight from a destination on our current network and avoiding that said freight from needing to pass through customs an addional time during transit in HK for the US. Oncarried by CX, naturally.