Even when they don't draw 1-4 they almost always get a close gate like 22, 23, 24, 25... sometimes the CX888 YVR draws a further gate and sometimes they draw a remote stand, but that's relatively rare.

Apparently the Airport Authority assigns the gates. Maybe it's because the NA flights are generally full, so CX request them to assign closer gates so that the flights get away on time? Maybe the same rationale that gets CX251/255 gates 1-4 where flights leaving around the similar time, eg CX293, CX101 (FCO, SYD) get shoved out further?