The problem I see with your scenario is; why would the company even list HKG and ANC as options if they are concerned about the cost.
Like your scenario says, limit the choices. If MEM is the over-manned base, only list excess options at MEM.
If the company thinks $1 million a month (BLG buy-up) is expensive, wait until all the training costs, relocations costs, and passover costs are added together
You talk like we somehow have a choice in this process. Guess what, the company is not going to do what cost the most. They will do what is the most cost effective.