I was hired as a Direct Entry FO (DFO) .

We have 91 planes on order but will retiring some and a few may go to Dragon Air. So with that many it is my belief that we will be force to hire directly into all position again like we have previously done. When this will happen I don't think the recruitment department even knows yet.

I don't know what you mean by "empty the pool." ??? Please be more specific.

I personally wouldn't do the Cadet program unless you have family who already lives in Hong Kong since you'll be paying for you own housing. Inexpensive housing in HKG isn't like it is in the US and you may not find it very palatable. I don't think it's worth doing to get your name on the seniority list. Just be patient and wait for what you want since seniority doesn't affect you schedule and means very little here.