Took PE a few times for BKK and LHR routes. BKK is not normally full whereas LHR is usually almost full. Problem with BKK though: equipment swaps make it really easy for an op-up to J (assuming MPO elites of course). With package deals, the BKK route is fine since it's only a couple hundred HKD between a club miles earning fare to PEY, so I'd take it.

I've complained to Cathay a few times due to such wide disparity in service levels and they all responded positively. It seems like Cathay themselves agree to how these levels can be unacceptable at times.

Even with long haul service: welcome drink and hot towels are inconsistent, first course J meals is not bad, but second course is just Y meals and not very good. A marginally thin blanket but J pillow. FAs aren't particularly attentive to needs and doesn't collect our meals until they finished serving all of Y, which takes forever (not like most of us finish the PEY food anyways). It's even specified in their manual that PEY meal trays should be collected as soon as they're finished - but this is never done.

Short haul PEY is simply a joke. All you get is the seat. Absolutely nothing else. They don't even bother closing the curtains.