This was the rumor, and some insider told me this is going to happen. But on the CX website, there is an emphasis to say in the new system, GR RETAINS priority boarding. See here (new MPC rules):

"Green members will enjoy priority check-in and boarding, as well as a dedicated service line for Marco Polo Club members. See below for a more detailed summary of Green member benefits.
This tier has an enrollment fee of US$100. And members can maintain their Green tier status by either earning 100 club points within a membership year, or by paying a US$100 annual renewal fee."


http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_U...-benefits.html

Apparently, CX would rather get $100 USD per person and make their ground crew suffer, rather than do the rational thing. Funny thing is GR getting priority boarding is one of the top complaints CX receives from their elite-paying flyers (from the insider), and yet CX still did this. Goes to show CX really is about nickles and dimes.