Many thanks blaivanhorn and maalloc for your kind words, even if answer is not what I like.

HK 14-day ban rules are a bit complicated but KL got banned recently. To be sure. Just in case, one needs to book two airlines.
KL flies 3 times a week a 777 and twice a 787, but not on the day I plan. Anyway I don't favor the additional stop in BKK, nor the 787 seat as I sleep sideways with my knee up. There is a hole on AF seat side that allows it but not on KL. And KL is over 50% more expensive than LX.which is the only other reasonable option. I travel with wifey and we currently have return leg on QR ticket, award F on BA (but probably impossible to connect if I have to go landside through Border police to check-in) and might buy LX (but nonrefundable with LX policy as opposed to most airlines).
Back a couple of weeks ago, I was feeling good with QR and BA, and a provisional booking on the very expensive CX nonstop. Then CX and BA CDG-LHR cancelled, while QR got red listed. . Quite stressful.