I am on mini rtw in July which begins in yyz and first desired stop is in hkg. I am currently booked in J through yvr and have been monitoring yyz hkg for nearly two months. Even though the seat map showed no booked sets (i didn't check flight stats) the AE agent told me the direct flight was capacity controlled and indicated it was unlikely seats would ever be released for rewards.

I keep looking - perhaps in vain.