That other story may not have much effect to the discussion in this thread. Without over-interpreting, and also based on past experience on the other thread,

• You'll likely need a physical membership card and that's going to take a while to get delivered. The membership card also expires every membership year.
• The fact that non-resident e-channels are closed is to do the theatrical travel history declaration. Even if allowing visitors into Hong Kong eventually, this screening may stay and unsure when the e-channels will be re-opened anytime soon.
• No data on this, but I assume if immigration would like to check on anyone, even if the person has e-channel access he/she could still be held at the gates for manual checks.