What a bunch of BS?! When I flew HKG-TPE-HKG, which is of similar flight lenght if not shorter, not only was beverage served, meal was also served. This was in Y. You may be right in that it's higher management's decision whether beverage is served. However, the duration of the flight is certainly no excuse for not serving beverage!
LAX
Good for you and your HKG-TPE trip! Thankfully Asian airline's staff the plane so they can actually make this service possible... American Airline's DON'T, and have not for many year's.